Boeing’s F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet is arguably the most lethal, advanced, combat-proven, multirole, frontline fighter-jet currently operated by the US Navy. Introduced in 2007, the aircraft is the next-generation evolution of F/A-18 Hornet and was envisaged as a naval platform from day one.
The F/A-18 Super Hornet was designed to bring together the power of the air and the might of the sea. Beyond the advanced technology that went into F/A-18, the creators had to keep in consideration complex requirements related to carrier-based operations including high loading which results in higher stresses on the airframe among other issues that come with integrating an aircraft on a carrier.
The history of Super Hornet is as interesting as is the history of naval aviation itself. Within a decade of the Wright brothers successfully demonstrating the first controlled flight in 1903, Washington Chambers and Eugene Ely successfully flew their Curtis biplane off-and on -American naval cruisers using wooden planks, sandbags and ropes, in 1910. In 1983 F/A-18 Hornet replaced another iconic US fighter, the F-14 Tomcat because the Hornetsoffered multi-role capability, were technologically superior to meet advanced threats and was much more economical to operate. The Super Hornet introduced in 2007 provided further enhancement in the form of long range and greater payload carrying capability.
The Block III version of Super Hornet that is currently being built for the US Navy incorporates several key enhancements including advanced mission computer, data fusion capability and improved stealth characteristics to name few. Typically every decade, the USNavy has inducted a new fighter or a significantly advanced version of an existing frontline fighter to match evolving threats. With every new induction of fighters, carrier integration technologies, training, and tactics were revised. The US Naval Aviation ecosystem of today has come a long way.
Boeing’s F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet offers unmatched opportunity for the Indian Navy to get access to the US naval ecosystem, collaborate on carrier integration know how, equipment, weapon systems, training and cooperation initiatives. Currently, more than 700 Hornets and Super Hornets operate with the US Navy and serve with severalnavies or air forces of other countries. With orders of 116 additional Block III orders, Super Hornet will be in service for decades to come. The long life and growth potential of Super Hornet will help Indian Navy incorporate new technologies in the platform. A great example of how the platform has evolved can be seen in the F/A-18 Growler, which is a carrier and land-based advanced electronic warfare aircraft that is currently operating with the US Navy and withthe Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
The Hornet’s Capabilities
The Block III version on offer to the Indian Navy is a state-of-the-art, advanced aircraft that is currently being built for the USNavy and will provide unique and differentiated capability to the Indian Navy.
The Block III F/A-18 Super Hornet's multi-mission capabilities include battle-space situational awareness, counter-stealth targeting, greater range, increased acceleration and improved survivability. The aircraft can carry variety of munitions for multi-role engagements.The Super Hornet has advanced network architecture in the form of a new computer that works with high throughput data link and offers advanced network-centric warfare capability through immense data-crunching power. A new 10x19 inch touchscreen display provides the pilot with the capability to see, track and target multiple targets generated by the common tactical picture.
Superior Economics
The F/A-18 Super Hornet not only has a low acquisition cost but also costs less to operate and offers high mission readiness. The sheer scale of Super Hornet fleet in the world and the associated favorable economies of scale can help in lowering the cost of sustainingof the platform throughout its lifecycle. Along with an extended growth potential as evident from the airframe life of 10,000 hours, the Super Hornet has the lowest operation and support cost of any tactical aircraft in the United States military, even lower than single-engine aircraft, single crew member aircraft and fifth-generation aircraft in in the U.S. tactical aircraft inventory. This has been achieved by a constant focus on supportability of both the design and upgrades philosophy of the US Navy and Boeing along with its industry partners. And then there are the high mission readiness rates.
By India – For India Sustainment
Boeing’s ‘For India – By India’ sustainment programme builds on Boeing’s almost eight decades of history in the country towards creating the next level of collaboration. Building on existing programmes and on India’s growing supply chain network, the Super Hornets will be serviced and upgraded in partnership with the Indian Navy as well as India and US based partners, throughout the lifecycle of the aircraft. This will further enable its growth and develop advanced expertise in maintenance, resulting in higher availability of the aircraft, at competitive pricing and reduced risk for the Indian Navy.
Fully Compatible
The Super Hornet is fully compliant with the Indian Navy’s carrier deck and hangars. The F/A-18 Super Hornet can take off from Indian aircraft carriers via the ski ramp and is compatible with air refueling tankers operated around the world. The F/A-18 is offered in a single and two-seat variant, both of which are capable of performing all missions from a carrier. Additionally, the two-seat variant is able to provide training capabilities which match the Indian Navy’s concept of operations for the carrier qualification of a fighter pilot.
A True Force Multiplier
Indian Navy today has eight P-8I long range maritime reconnaissance aircraft and more are shortly to be delivered. The F/A-18 Super Hornets can optimally interface with the P-8I and other US platforms soon to be inducted in the Indian Navy, which is sure to augment the lethality of these platforms, enhancing India’s force projection capabilities.
In summary, with the F/A-18 Super Hornet Block III offer, the Indian Navy gets unique and differentiated capabilities enabling it to take on the challenges of tomorrow. Further, the Indian Navy will get to access the largest naval aviation ecosystem with the US Navy for co-development, training, technology upgrades and carrier integration. Just like how a Curtis biplane ushered in the era of naval aviation 119 years back, the Super Hornet can help boost the US-India maritime and security relationship!
Article authored by Ankur Kanaglekar, Vice President, India Fighters Lead, Strike, Surveillance & Mobility, Boeing Defense, Space & Security