F/A-18E Super Hornet News

Super Hornets ready to soar

5 July 2001

The first F/A-18E Super Hornet squadron, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 at Naval Air Station Lemoore in California, has been declared "safe for flight certification" following a series of inspections and review of programmes designed to satisfy Navy requirements for the aircraft.

The squadron, nicknamed the "Eagles," is set to train independently in preparation for its first deployment of Super Hornets with the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Battle Group and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 next summer.


Prior to certification, VFA-115 trained jointly with VFA- 122, the Super Hornet fleet replacement squadron at NAS Lemoore, to prepare pilots and maintenance crews for the arrival of the Navy's new Super Hornet aircraft. As new jets were received by the Navy, individual training was conducted on an "asset available" basis. Now, with six aircraft, a full compliment of pilots and a complete administrative structure, the squadron is capable of operating autonomously.

The Super Hornet is a multi-mission aircraft that can be employed as a fighter, a bomber or a tanker. The new jet has a tactical mission spectrum that spans from long range, sea-based air dominance to deep-strike interdiction. It is designed to carry every tactical air-to- air and air-to-ground weapon in the Navy's inventory, and is equipped with an enhanced radar system, as well as advanced on-board sensor fusion capability.

The Super Hornet is expected to replace the F-14 Tomcat in future programme years.


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Friday June 14, 11:06 am Eastern Time
Press Release
SOURCE: The Boeing Company
Boeing Delivers 100th F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to the U.S. Navy
ST. LOUIS, June 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA - News) today delivered the 100th F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to the U.S. Navy. The airplane, a two-seat "F" model Super Hornet, was delivered during a ceremony at Boeing in St. Louis.

"The 100th Super Hornet is a significant milestone in this very successful program," said Adm. Vern Clark, chief of naval operations. "The Hornet Industry-Navy team is producing an aircraft with greater range, striking power and survivability that will project dominant and decisive offensive power around the world well into the 21st century."

The first production model Super Hornet was delivered in December 1998, more than a month ahead of schedule. After completing the most thorough operational evaluation in naval history, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet entered operational service in November 1999. The Super Hornet is scheduled to deploy with the U.S. Navy later this year.

"The Super Hornet is the cornerstone of naval aviation," said Jerry Daniels, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Military Aircraft and Missile Systems. "It's adding new punch to the Navy's fleet through its advanced systems, increased range, enhanced survivability and greater bringback. Together with our customer, we've got a roadmap for making this plane even more vital to our nation's defense."

In June 2000, Boeing and the U.S. Navy signed a multiyear procurement contract for 222 aircraft. The contract, valued at $8.9 billion, saves taxpayers $700 million over single-year procurement. The multiyear contract spans fiscal years 2000 through 2004. Boeing and the Navy are currently discussing a second multiyear procurement.

The Super Hornet can perform a broad range of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions during the day or at night, in virtually any kind of weather. Equipped with an aerial refueling system, the Super Hornet also can serve as a tactical airborne tanker.

Eleven weapons stations carry a vast array of air-to-air and air-to- surface weapons including precision-guided munitions. The Super Hornet can carry more than 17,000 pounds of ordnance, more than 30,000 pounds of fuel and can reach airspeeds of more than 1.5 times the speed of sound.

An aerospace industry team led by Boeing collaborates to build the Super Hornet. Boeing and Northrop Grumman cooperate to build the fuselage, General Electric manufacturers the engines and Raytheon provides the radar.

The Boeing Company is the world's largest manufacturer of satellites, commercial jetliners and military aircraft. In terms of sales, Boeing is the largest exporter in the United States. Total company revenues for 2001 were $58 billion.

Boeing Military Aircraft and Missile Systems designs, produces and provides follow-on support for fighters, bombers, transports, rotorcraft and weapons for the United States and its allies around the globe. As the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer, Boeing has delivered more than 130,000 military aircraft to the U.S. government and international customers. Among emerging businesses are unmanned systems, as well as military aircraft that are based on the company's renowned commercial airplanes.

SOURCE: The Boeing Company