Production of Boeing F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornet Block Ils for the US Navy is scheduled to end later this year. The third and final multi-year procurement contract between Boeing and Naval Air Systems Command will complete the programme of record total of 292 F/A-18Es and 271 F/A-18Fs delivered. But this will not be the end for Boeing's St Louis, Missouri Super Hornet production line. It will remain open to build EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft for the US Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force, and for other potential export customers, at least until 2017. The Super Hornet will be part of US Navy carrier air wings, alongside the Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning Ⅱ, until replaced by the next-generation fighter F/A-XX design: the first of which is currently expected to enter fleet service around 2030. The US Navy has scheduled an analysis of alternatives study for the F/A-XX this year. Thus, the Super Hornet is likely to remain in operation until about 2040. With both the F-35C and the future Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike aircraft intended primarily for air-to-surface missions, the Super Hornet will be the navy's air-to-air fighter for both fleet air defence and offensive counter air roles.
展开▼
