U.S. Navy Takes Delivery of 400th F/A-18E/F Super Hornet

[Metallic]

UNITED STATES - 24 JULY 2009

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced that it delivered the 400th F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to the U.S. Navy in June.

The original Super Hornet strike fighter achieved initial operational capability with the Navy in September 2001. The advanced Super Hornet Block II, equipped with the Raytheon-built APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, debuted in 2005 and is in production today.

"The Super Hornet provides 21st-century combat capability to U.S. servicemembers around the world every day," said Bob Gower, vice president of F/A-18 and EA-18 Programs for Global Strike Systems, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems.

"This delivery is a result of the dedication and pride of the Boeing employees who build this aircraft, as well as the outstanding program partnership with the Navy, the Hornet Industry Team and more than 1,900 suppliers," Gower added. "It's also an important milestone for U.S. taxpayers, because every Super Hornet, from one to 400, has been delivered on time and on budget."

The Block II F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a multirole aircraft, able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum, including air superiority, day/night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and tanker missions.

The Hornet Industry Team includes Boeing, Northrop Grumman, GE Aircraft Engines and Raytheon. Boeing will deliver the first F/A-18F for Australia -- the first international Super Hornet customer -- next week. Boeing is in discussions with several other customers about their interest in procuring the Super Hornet.

"The Super Hornet delivers the cost and schedule certainty that governments rely on and taxpayers expect, while providing warfighters with the advanced capability they need, today," Gower said.

U.S. Navy Capt. Mark Darrah, F/A-18 and EA-18G program manager, PMA-265, said the 400th Super Hornet delivery is critical to ensuring on-schedule and on-budget capability for the Navy.

"Every Super Hornet delivered to the Navy has been delivered on or ahead of schedule," Darrah said. "The Navy and our nation depend on the advanced capability the Super Hornet delivers each day around the globe. The F/A-18E/F's advanced capability, combined with its remarkable program performance, make the Super Hornet a true model for defense acquisition."

Source: The Boeing Company


Both the Super Hornet single seat E and two-seat F models convert quickly from one mission type to the next with the flip of a switch to provide consistent air dominance:

*Day/night strikes with precision-guided weapons
*Anti-air warfare
*Fighter escort
*Close air support
*Suppression of enemy air defense
*Maritime strike
*Reconnaissance
*Forward air control
*Tanker
*Payload Flexibility

The Super Hornet's versatility applies to its weapon stations and payload types:

*11 weapon stations
*Supports a full complement of smart weapons, including laser-guided bombs
*Carries a full spectrum mix of air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance

The Super Hornet is powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400 engines:

*Distinctive caret-shaped inlet to provide increased airflow and reduced
radar signature
*22,000 pounds (98 Kn) of thrust per engine, 44,000 pounds (196 Kn) per
aircraft

Flight qualities:

*Highly departure resistant through its operational flight envelope.
*Unlimited angle-of-attack and carefree flying qualities for highly effective
combat capability and ease of training.
*Reconfigurable digital flight-control system detects and corrects for battle
damage.
*Upgradeability
*Long-term designed in versatility ensures the Super Hornet's investment
value.

Current upgrades delivered in the Block Two configuration include:

*Active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar
*Advanced targeting forward-looking infrared (ATFLIR) system
*Joint-helmet mounted cueing system (JHMCS)
*Multifunctional information distribution system (MIDS)
*Advanced aft crew station
*Fibre channel switch for increased data processing capability
*Fully integrated weapons systems and sensors for reduced crew workload
and increased capability.

U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet

 

[Metallic]

Super Hornet Cleared to Fly at Higher Altitudes, Reducing Fuel Costs
UNITED STATES - 30 JULY 2009

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. - The Navy has certified the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to fly higher, between 29,000 and 41,000 feet.

These altitudes were usually reserved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for commercial airliners in airspace called Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airspace. This certification culminates a three-year process involving numerous agencies; military, federal and private industry.

The certification process reached its conclusion during a certification ceremony held Nov. 4 when Capt. Ralph Portnoy, Air Combat Electronics program manager here, signed the document certifying that all Super Hornets produced from Lot 22 and beyond, approximately 340 aircraft, are RVSM qualified. The authorization to file and fly RVSM was delayed until July 9 to ensure training and Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) manuals were appropriately updated.

“It’s great seeing all of the hard work done by the 209/265 Government/Industry Team get implemented. This effort will directly support our warfighters by addressing a clear operational need. RVSM certification saves precious fuel and reduces Fleet operating costs which is exactly the direction we all need to be heading,” said Capt. Ralph Portnoy, Air Combat Electronics program manager, PMA-209.

The Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) estimates that this certification to fly at these altitudes could save the Navy approximately $250,000 per year per squadron in fuel costs.

RVSM qualification efforts for the entire F/A-18 community continue. The team, lead by Mr. Dave Staso, PMA-209 Communication, Navigation Systems/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) Integrated Program Team Lead and by PMA-209's Navigation and Sensor Deputy Program Manager, Mr. Walt Gillette, is currently working the certification for the EA-18G Growler and the F/A-18C/D Hornet. Plans are also in place to certify the F/A-18A+.

The RVSM technical requirements are defined in a Functional Requirements Document (FRD) authored and published by the CNS/ATM Integrated Program Team in Air Combat Electronics.

The first step in the certification process involved a Boeing Company evaluation of the Super Hornet to satisfy the rigors required by the FRD. Their analysis was published in late 2006 acknowledging the precision of the altimetry system. The successful completion of the analysis led to step two in the process, the development of Air Frame Bulletin (AFB) 637.

AFB 637 was used to validate and verify the configuration of the Super Hornets that were required to complete step three of the process, FAA-monitored flights that verified the accuracy of the altimetry system.

CNAF designated the aircraft to be inspected and monitored and operational squadrons flew the missions. Unfortunately, operational commitments precluded an adequate number of monitoring flights. At this point, the Hornet/Super Hornet program office (PMA-265) and Air Combat Electronics (PMA-209) visited the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), St. Louis, Mo., to request their help in order to complete the necessary monitoring flights.

Of the 29 required flights, DCMA flew the final three during Super Hornet delivery flights. The FAA evaluated every monitoring flight, thereby confirming the Boeing analysis and verifying the accurate altimetry system of the Super Hornet.

In 2005, the FAA reduced the separation between aircraft flying in opposing directions from 2,000 feet to 1,000 feet at altitudes between 29,000 and 41,000 feet. Based on FAA regulation, aircraft flying in this reduced separation airspace require dual altimetry systems, a rule that nearly eliminated all military fighter aircraft.

The Department of Defense, realizing a drastic increase in fuel consumption for the fighter community, negotiated certification authority for aircraft with single altimetry systems provided that stringent technical requirements are satisfied. Based on FAA permission, the Navy began the certification process to prove the Super Hornet did indeed meet the technical requirements.

RVSM certification is just one of many civil requirements affecting naval aircraft that need the capability to fly in civil airspace throughout the world.

 

[Metallic]

Raytheon ATFLIR Marks More Than 500,000 Flight Hours
UNITED STATES - 16 DECEMBER 2009

MCKINNEY, Texas, -- Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared pod, which provides pinpoint accuracy and real-time target assessment from long standoff ranges, has marked more than 500,000 hours of operational flight on the U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet.

In coordination with the Navy, Raytheon has continually improved performance and added advanced capabilities to the targeting pod. ATFLIR allows target recognition and tracking at altitudes and ranges substantially greater than those of other targeting systems. It remains the only targeting pod certified for operation on U.S. naval aircraft carriers.

"The ATFLIR pod system offers the warfighter advanced integrated diagnostic, tracking and targeting capabilities," said Tim Carey, vice president for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Systems. "The ATFLIR program represents a capability that promotes Raytheon's reputation as a technology leader. With more than 500,000 operational flight hours, our targeting pod has proudly supported the Navy warfighter in operations around the world."

Manufactured by Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, ATFLIR is a high-technology subsystem that replaced three separate legacy F/A-18 pods. It incorporates an innovative common optical path and continuous auto-boresight technology that significantly increases targeting accuracy while minimizing the potential for collateral damage.

"This milestone represents a true team effort between government and industry," said Cmdr. Frank Morely, deputy program manager, F/A-18 and EA-18 program office. "There is no combat system on the F/A-18 used more in today's operations than the ATFLIR."




Source: Raytheon Company

 

[Metallic]

Northrop Grumman Successfully Demonstrates Capabilities of LITENING Targeting System on U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F
UNITED STATES - 10 MARCH 2010

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) today announced it successfully demonstrated its LITENING advanced targeting capabilities on the U.S. Navy's premier fighter/attack aircraft, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, marking the eighth U.S. combat aircraft to fly the advanced targeting system.

"During the 1.5 hour flight conducted at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., LITENING demonstrated its performance, flexibility and interoperability under operationally representative conditions," said Mike Lennon, vice president of Targeting and Surveillance Programs for Northrop Grumman's Targeting Systems Division. "With LITENING, Northrop Grumman offers advanced sensor technology, unique features, high reliability, proven worldwide support and a demonstrated ability to easily integrate emerging technologies, all at a very competitive price and delivery schedule. As a result of this successful integration of LITENING on the F/A-18E/F aircraft, potential international Super Hornet customers now have another advanced targeting system choice to maximize their targeting and surveillance capabilities."

Northrop Grumman's LITENING pod is a self-contained, multi-sensor system that enables operators with surveillance and situational awareness, and the ability to detect, acquire, identify, and auto-track targets for highly accurate delivery of both conventional and precision-guided weapons. Fully integrated to support both air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements, LITENING features advanced image processing for target identification; coordinate generation for GPS weapons; a 640 x 512 or 1,024 x 1,024 pixel forward-looking infrared sensor for effective day and night operations; a 1,024 x 1,024 pixel charge-coupled device television sensor; a dual waveband infrared laser designator and eye-safe laser range finder; a laser spot tracker; an infrared laser marker; and optional air-to-ground video data link and digital video recorder.

To date, more than 600 LITENING pods have been ordered by the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and seven allied nations. More than 500 systems have been fielded, the largest number of any advanced targeting and sensor system. LITENING is combat proven on the AV-8B, A-10A/C, B-52H, EA-6B, F-15E, F-16 (Blocks 15-52) and F/A-18 Hornet aircraft. Together, all variants of the LITENING pod have amassed more than 1,000,000 flight hours, with over 500,000 hours logged under deployed or combat conditions.


Source: Northrop Grumman Corporation

 

[Metallic]

Boeing Super Hornet Trainer Deliveries Allow US Navy to Train in 4-ship Formation
UNITED STATES - 22 APRIL 2010

ST. LOUIS, April 22, 2010 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and teammate L-3 Link Simulation & Training today announced that they delivered two F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Tactical Operation Flight Trainers (TOFT) to the U.S. Navy at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, Va., in February, and declared them "Ready for Training." The devices offer aircrews the same Operational Flight Program used in the Boeing-built Super Hornet aircraft.

"The successful delivery of these trainers to Oceana gives pilots there the ability to operate in a four-ship integrated training scenario with previously delivered devices," said Mark McGraw, Boeing vice president of Training Systems & Services. "Also, the Block II software upgrades delivered with the new trainers allow aircrews to operate in more-realistic training scenarios, including mission rehearsals for Air Wing events."

The two TOFTs delivered in February join two trainers that were already operating at NAS Oceana. Another two devices are at NAS Lemoore, Calif. Boeing incorporated the software upgrades into all four previously delivered TOFTs. The improvements include updates to the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System and to a Digital Memory Device; integrated Joint Mission Planning System capabilities; and an advanced navigation system.

Six additional Block II TOFTs in Arlington, Texas, are being used for future trainer development -- primarily for testing software and other architectural upgrades -- before being delivered to Oceana and Lemoore. When the current contract is complete in 2012, the Navy could award Boeing a follow-on contract for four additional trainers.

The TOFTs each comprise an instructor/operator station that establishes the scenarios and training lessons, and forward and aft crew stations with their own visual systems. More than 40 computers keep the TOFTs operational, and one brief/debrief station is in place for every two trainers.


Source: The Boeing Company

 

[flanker30]

soon going 2 add 126 more

 

[Metallic]

U.S. Navy Tests Biofuel-Powered 'Green Hornet'
UNITED STATES - 22 APRIL 2010

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Navy celebrated Earth Day April 22 by showcasing a flight test of the "Green Hornet," an F/A-18 Super Hornet multirole fighter jet powered by a biofuel blend.

The test, conducted at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., drew hundreds of onlookers, including Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, who has made the exploration and adoption of alternative fuels a priority for the Navy and Marine Corps.

Mabus observed the flight and tracked its data from a Project Engineering Station at the air station's Atlantic Test Range. After the jet landed, he met the pilot, Lt. Cmdr. Tom Weaver, of Billerica, Mass.

"The alternative fuels test program is a significant milestone in the certification and ultimate operational use of biofuels by the Navy and Marine Corps," said Mabus. It's important to emphasize, especially on Earth Day, the Navy's commitment to reducing dependence on foreign oil as well as safeguarding our environment. Our Navy, alongside industry, the other services and federal agency partners, will continue to be an early adopter of alternative energy sources."

The Green Hornet runs on a 50/50 blend of conventional jet fuel and a biofuel that comes from camelina, a hardy U.S.-grown plant that can thrive even in difficult soil.

The Defense Energy Support Center, which oversees procurement of biofuel for the Navy, recently awarded a $2.7 million contract to Sustainable Oils of Seattle and Bozeman, Mont., for 40,000 gallons of camelina-based fuel. The Navy's ultimate goal is to develop protocols to certify alternative fuels for use in its aircraft and ships.
"The aircraft flew exactly as we expected- no surprises," said Weaver, F/A-18 project officer for Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 and pilot for the Earth Day flight test. "The fuel works so well, all I needed to do was just fly the plane."

"Our mission today and for the rest of the flight tests is to confirm that the fuel makes no difference in performance across the Super Hornet's entire flight envelope, from subsonic to supersonic operations," said Mark Swierczek, Naval Air Systems Command propulsion flight test engineer. "Preliminary results show there was no difference in engine ops attributable to the biofuel. Engine performance is normal and as expected."

The Navy Fuels Lab at Patuxent River is developing certification standards for a variety of renewable, alternative fuel sources.

"These flight tests are part of an extensive test and evaluation process that started last fall," said Rick Kamin, the Navy's Fuels team lead. "The fuel's chemical and physical properties were first analyzed in the lab, followed by component and engine performance testing - and now in a series of flight tests covering the entire flight envelope of the Super Hornet – including supersonic operations."

According to Kamin, final approval and certification for the camelina-based biofuel could take an additional six to nine months after flight test April 22. The Earth Day flight test is one of 15 planned test flights requiring approximately 23 flight-hours to complete, starting in mid-April 2010 and completing by mid-June 2010. The Earth Day flight lasted about 45 minutes.

The Green Hornet biofuel program is the first aviation test program to test and evaluate the performance of a 50/50 biofuel blend in supersonic (above mach 1) operations – a critical test point to successfully clear the F/A-18 E/F for biofuel operations through its entire flight envelope. Once successfully demonstrated on the F/A-18 F414 engine, the Navy will expand its certification efforts to other Navy and Marine Corps aircraft and Navy tactical systems.

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (April 22, 2010) The U.S. Navy celebrates Earth Day by showcasing a supersonic flight test of the "Green Hornet," an F/A-18 Super Hornet strike fighter jet powered by a 50/50 biofuel blend. The test, conducted at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., drew hundreds of onlookers that included Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, who has made research, development, and increased use of alternative fuels a priority for the Department of the Navy.

 

[Metallic]

U.S. Navy Tests Biofuel-Powered 'Green Hornet'
UNITED STATES - 22 APRIL 2010

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (April 22, 2010) U.S. Navy pilots Lt. John Kollar and Lt. Cmdr. Tom Weaver sit in the cockpit of the Navy F/A-18 "Green Hornet" following a supersonic flight test, powered by a 50/50 blend of biofuel. The test, conducted at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., drew hundreds of onlookers that included Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, who has made research, development, and increased use of alternative fuels a priority for the Department of the Navy.



PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (April 22, 2010) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus speaks with members of the press following a supersonic flight test of the "Green Hornet," an F/A-18 Super Hornet strike fighter jet powered by a 50/50 biofuel blend conducted at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. Mabus has made research, development, and increased use of alternative fuels a priority for the Department of the Navy.



PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (April 22, 2010) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus greets Navy pilots Lt. John Kollar and Lt. Cmdr. Tom Weaver following a showcase of a supersonic flight test of the "Green Hornet," conducted at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. The F/A-18 Super Hornet strike fighter jet is powered by a 50/50 biofuel blend.

 

[Parashuram1]

Goodness gracious! They really have money to spend behind all those fighters. The Navy of United States itself has more fighter aircraft than many countries' air forces.

 

[nobab_jada]

Really nice. These makes Navy more stronger.

 

[razgriz19]

Really nice. These makes Navy more stronger.

naaah......their navy is already strong enough! and now they r just wasting their money.....
BUT if they can afford it then why not!!!!

 

[Metallic]

Raytheon Awarded $19 Million U.S. Navy Missile Launcher Contract
UNITED STATES - 21 APRIL 2010

The U.S. Navy's Naval Air Systems Command has awarded Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) an $18.9 million firm-fixed-price contract to produce LAU-115D/A and LAU-116B/A missile launchers.

The launchers are used on Navy F/A-18E/F and E/A-18G aircraft. They provide the structural and electrical interfaces that allow the aircraft to carry and launch missiles such as the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) and AIM-9X Sidewinder.

The launchers will be built at the Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC facility in Indianapolis, Ind. Work on this contract is expected to be completed in September 2012.


Source: Raytheon Company

 

[holysaturn]

Raytheon ATFLIR Marks More Than 500,000 Flight Hours
UNITED STATES - 16 DECEMBER 2009

MCKINNEY, Texas, -- Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared pod, which provides pinpoint accuracy and real-time target assessment from long standoff ranges, has marked more than 500,000 hours of operational flight on the U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet.

In coordination with the Navy, Raytheon has continually improved performance and added advanced capabilities to the targeting pod. ATFLIR allows target recognition and tracking at altitudes and ranges substantially greater than those of other targeting systems. It remains the only targeting pod certified for operation on U.S. naval aircraft carriers.

"The ATFLIR pod system offers the warfighter advanced integrated diagnostic, tracking and targeting capabilities," said Tim Carey, vice president for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Systems. "The ATFLIR program represents a capability that promotes Raytheon's reputation as a technology leader. With more than 500,000 operational flight hours, our targeting pod has proudly supported the Navy warfighter in operations around the world."

Manufactured by Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, ATFLIR is a high-technology subsystem that replaced three separate legacy F/A-18 pods. It incorporates an innovative common optical path and continuous auto-boresight technology that significantly increases targeting accuracy while minimizing the potential for collateral damage.

"This milestone represents a true team effort between government and industry," said Cmdr. Frank Morely, deputy program manager, F/A-18 and EA-18 program office. "There is no combat system on the F/A-18 used more in today's operations than the ATFLIR."

Source: Raytheon Company

cool shot with the ATFLIR

 

[Jigs]

Goodness gracious! They really have money to spend behind all those fighters. The Navy of United States itself has more fighter aircraft than many countries' air forces.

F-15C-336 F-15D-54 F-15E-223
F-16C-1,082 F-16D-180
F-22 Raptor-137

 

[AUSTERLITZ]

F-15C-336 F-15D-54 F-15E-223
F-16C-1,082 F-16D-180
F-22 Raptor-137[/Q]


American industrial power is nearly limitless.
For all the people talking about america being bankrupt must remember that american military budget is greater than the military budgets of the whole rest of the world combined.Its unnerving.