Boeing's service life modification (SLM) for the Super Hornet will breathe new life into the oldest airframes, with a plan to add new capabilities at the same time. THE US NAVY'S so-called strike fighter shortfall came about due to a couple of key factors. Slower-than-predicted procurement of the F-35 led to there being fewer new aircraft on the front line, placing higher reliance on the existing Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, the workhorse of the combat aircraft fleet. The Super Hornet having entered service in 2001, the early fleet is already up against its useful structural life of 6,000 flight hours.
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