First SLM F/A-18 delivered to US Navy
The first F/A-18 to undergo the Service Life Modification (SLM) programme has been redelivered to the US Navy by Boeing.
The SML is extending the service life of the Super Hornet from 6,000 to 7,500 flight hours. Future modification plans in the early 2020s will enable the jets to fly 10,000 hours and incorporate the new Block III capabilities.
The Block III conversion will include enhanced network capability, conformal fuel tanks, an advanced cockpit system, signature improvements and an enhanced communication system.
There are now 15 Super Hornets in the SLM programme on production lines in St Louis and San Antonio. It takes 18 months to complete modifications on an F/A-18, although that time will be driven down to one year as the programme progresses.
The second SLM jet will deliver by the end of the month, and Boeing will deliver the third F/A-18 in April.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Philippines grows its S-70i fleet with 10 new deliveries]()
Philippines grows its S-70i fleet with 10 new deliveries
The 10 helicopters delivered throughout 2024 make up part of a larger contract for 32 Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters for the country.
-
![Airbus delivers two H225M Caracals to France]()
Airbus delivers two H225M Caracals to France
The Airbus rotorcraft will replace the French Air Force’s Puma helicopters, following the initial contract signing in 2021.
-
![Lithuania to send an extra 4,500 drones to Ukraine despite delivery delays]()
Lithuania to send an extra 4,500 drones to Ukraine despite delivery delays
According to local media sources, thousands of drones destined for Ukraine are currently stuck in warehouses due to bureaucratic delays.
-
![How Chinese advancements will impact the future development of the US Air Force fleet]()
How Chinese advancements will impact the future development of the US Air Force fleet
US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has said that China would continue to be a “problem” for the development of the service’s fleet over the coming decades.
-
![Royal Thai Air Forces’ bid for Saab’s Gripens backed by defence minister]()
Royal Thai Air Forces’ bid for Saab’s Gripens backed by defence minister
The Thai government minister expressed confidence in the aircraft type, noting that a decision on the selection process between the Gripen and F-16 would be “made soon”.
-
![GCAP needs to “avoid mistakes” of previous programmes to meet 2035 date, states UK Defence Committee]()
GCAP needs to “avoid mistakes” of previous programmes to meet 2035 date, states UK Defence Committee
The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) report highlighted issues with opening the programme to other international partners, as well as notable gaps in future training requirement for the sixth-generation aircraft.
