Boeing has successfully completed the upgrade and life extension of the first two service life modification (SLM) F/A-18 Block III Super Hornets, delivering them to the U.S. Navy ahead of schedule. The aircraft from St. Louis were delivered one month early, while those from San Antonio were delivered two months early. These upgraded jets possess the same capabilities as those from Boeing's new-build production line.
“Our success in meeting the accelerated timeline is proof our service life modification game plan is working,” stated Faye Dixon, Boeing SLM director. “Thanks to our years of learning on the programme and our partnership with the Navy, the F/A-18 Super Hornet remains at the forefront of defence technology with renewed years of service to support the fleet.”
In collaboration with the Navy, Boeing has enhanced productivity and is completing Block III upgrades ahead of the 15-month contract requirement. This achievement was facilitated by establishing a baseline for the condition of Block II F/A-18s received at Boeing, coupled with the Navy's preparation of the jets in advance. Additionally, sharing information and best practices across multiple SLM sites has improved efficiency, managed workload distribution, and optimised resource allocations.
Mark Sears, Boeing Fighters vice president, emphasised, “Great measures were taken by the Boeing and Navy teams to ensure these are the safest and most capable Block III F/A-18s we can give our warfighters. These are just the first of many deliveries, with around 15 years of SLM deliveries to go. Our warfighters are counting on us to get this right every time.”
The Block III upgrades include a large area display and more powerful computing through Tactical Targeting Network Technology and a Distributed Targeting Processor-Networked open mission systems processor. This work is being conducted at Boeing sites in St. Louis and San Antonio, and at the Navy's Fleet Readiness Center Southwest in San Diego.
