Block III Super Hornet is ready for USN service
Boeing has delivered the first operational Block III F/A-18 Super Hornet to the USN.
Boeing announced on 27 September that it has delivered the first of 78 new Block III F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft for operational service with the USN.
An initial pair of aircraft were provided in June 2020 for USN flight testing.
Block III is the most advanced version of the Super Hornet, able to exceed fourth-generation fighter capabilities, and it will provide the Navy with the most networked and survivable F/A-18 built with a technology insertion plan that will outpace future threats.
Block III was created ‘in partnership with the US Navy to meet its emerging requirements’, said Boeing VP Jen Tebo.
The aircraft has a new adjunct processor that allows more work to be done in far less time. It is also ready to receive apps-based solutions to allow upgrades throughout its lifespan.
Boeing is expected to complete delivery of the Block III aircraft by the mid-2030s.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Japan and South Korea upgrade F-15 fighters to keep them relevant]()
Japan and South Korea upgrade F-15 fighters to keep them relevant
Japan and South Korea plan major enhancements to their F-15 programmes.
-
![XTEND wins contract for precision strike drone]()
XTEND wins contract for precision strike drone
XTEND is supplying its Scorpio UAS to meet a US DoD requirement for an indoor/outdoor strike drone.
-
![US Congress limits F-35 procurement]()
US Congress limits F-35 procurement
Restrictions cover new purchases of the three variants of the multirole fighter and require the DoD to correct issues in the acquisition programme.
-
![Spain makes order for 25 Eurofighter Typhoons]()
Spain makes order for 25 Eurofighter Typhoons
Known as the Halcon II programme, the order covers 21 single-seat and four twin-seat aircraft, set to be delivered between 2030 and 2035.
