U.S. Navy Orders a 17 F/A-18 Super Hornet Block IIIs

U.S. Navy ordered 17 additional F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets from Boeing through a contract worth $ 1.3 billion on March 19, 2024. The U.S. Navy acquired additional 17 Super Hornets with funding provided by the U.S. Congress to alleviate the lack of fighter aircraft. In 2010, Boeing presented potential Block III clients with its "International Roadmap" with conformal fuel tanks, enhanced engines, enclosed weapons pods (EWPs), next-generation cockpits, updated missile warning systems, and internal infrared search and control systems track (IRST). Boeing introduced the Super Hornet hybrid idea in 2014, which featured the EA-18G Growler's electronic signal-detecting capability for target engagement without the ALQ-99 jamming pod. The Block III Super Hornet features enhancements, including an upgraded Active Electronically Scanning Array (AESA) radar, a shared helmet-mounted signalling system, and various other avionics upgrades. The new Super Hornet deliveries are set to commence in winter 2026, with all deliveries expected to be completed by spring 2027. Each aircraft can accommodate three EWPs, each equipped with four internal stations for ammo. An aircraft may carry up to 12 AMRAAMs and 2 Sidewinders. Potential growth options may involve incorporating long-range infrared search and track sensors and new air-to-air tracking modes. Boeing was awarded a $4 billion contract in 2019 to supply 78 Block III Super Hornets to the Navy by fiscal year 2021.