First F/A-18 Block III Super Hornets delivered to Navy for flight test
NewsJune 18, 2020
CHICAGO, Ill. Boeing delivered the first two F/A-18 Block III Super Hornets to the U.S. Navy for flight testing. One jet is a single-seat E model and the other is a two-seat F model.
According to officials, the Navy will use the aircraft to familiarize pilots with the advanced cockpit system’s new 10-inch-by-19-inch touchscreen display and test the capabilities delivered with the enhanced network capability.
In addition to these enhancements, the Block III configuration is designed to add capability upgrades that include longer range, reduced radar signature, and an enhanced communication system. The platform's life is also intended to be extended from 6,000 hours to 10,000 hours.
Last year, Boeing was awarded a contract from the Navy for 78 Block III Super Hornets. Boeing and Navy test teams have also flown conformal fuel tank prototypes.
