Sat, Nov 03, 2007
Gives Oldest Hornets Added Sting
On Friday, Boeing celebrated the delivery of the 500th US Navy
F/A-18 strike fighter modified at the company's Cecil Field
facility near Jacksonville, FL.
Boeing and prime contractor Northrop Grumman have installed a
wide range of avionic upgrades, technology improvements and
structural enhancements to Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets and
Super Hornets since the modification facility opened in September
1999. The former naval air station functions as a "drive-in"
facility that ensures modified aircraft are immediately available
for deployment as soon as the work is completed.
"Cecil Field is vital to the health and performance of the US
Hornet fleet," said Mike Rudloff, Cecil Field F/A-18 programs
manager. "We've proven for almost eight years that we can
successfully perform modifications and repairs and return aircraft
to the customer very quickly. That's important for the warfighter
in the field who depends on us to deliver improved capability. The
bottom line is: we get the jets out on time."
The oldest and most heavily used Hornets are in the midst of an
extensive inspection process aimed at lengthening aircraft lifespan
from 6,000 to 10,000 flight hours. Inspectors look for cracks,
corrosion and fatigue to determine if the life of the aircraft can
be safely extended.
Newer Hornets at Cecil Field receive upgraded display systems,
miniaturized GPS receivers, helmet mounted cueing systems and more
advanced radios. The modifications give the Hornet improved
communications and information systems and allow the strike fighter
to carry the latest weapons.
In January 2008, Boeing will begin modifying F/A-18 C- and
D-model aircraft for the US Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration
team, which has used A- and B-model Hornets since 1986.
More News
Option Approach An approach requested and conducted by a pilot which will result in either a touch-and-go, missed approach, low approach, stop-and-go, or full stop landing. Pilots >[...]
"Emirates is already the world's largest Boeing 777 operator, and we are expanding our commitment to the program today with additional orders for 65 Boeing 777-9s. This is a long-t>[...]
(Pilot) Reported That There Was A Sudden And Violent Vibration Throughout The Airplane That Lasted Several Seconds Analysis: The pilot was returning to his home airport at an altit>[...]
“This recognition was evident during the TBMOPA Annual Convention, where owners and operators clearly expressed their satisfaction with our focus on customer service, and enc>[...]
Overhead Maneuver A series of predetermined maneuvers prescribed for aircraft (often in formation) for entry into the visual flight rules (VFR) traffic pattern and to proceed to a >[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Term (11.19.25): Option Approach
See All