Boeing has assembled the first fighter of the new version of the F / A-18 Super Hornet Block-3

The US Navy will soon begin to receive a new version of the carrier-based F / A-18 Super Hornet Block-3 fighter. According to the press service of the Boeing company, the company's specialists assembled the first fighter of the new modification.

As previously reported, the program for the creation and maintenance of Super Hornet fighters began in 1995, was designed for 25 years and was supposed to end in 2020, when the fifth generation F-18 fighters were to replace the F-35. However, the delay in the development of the latest fighter led to the fact that Boeing created a new version of the F-18 and in 2017 presented the F / A-18 XT (Advanced Super Hornet), received in the U.S. Navy called F / A-18E / F Super Hornet Block-3. The new modification differs from the previous version of the fighter (Block-2) by seven updates, of which two are secret and nothing is known about them.

The command of the US Navy decided to upgrade the entire fleet of Super Hornet fighters to a new modification. In addition, on March 21, 2019, the US Navy signed a new contract with Boeing for the construction of 78 new F / A-18 Super Hornet Block-3 fighters, the aircraft should arrive by 2022. The first two fighters will be transferred to the Navy during May-June 2020, they will be involved in tests at the Patuxent River Air Force Base and Center aviation armaments China Lake.

Recall that at the end of April this year it was reported that Boeing supplied the US Navy with the last F / A-18 Super Hornet Block-2 fighter.

Comments

[APASUS]

A funny situation. There is an announcement on every corner that the F-35 is a fifth-generation aircraft and is simply the crown of perfection, and at this time the US Navy decided to upgrade the entire existing fleet of Super Hornet fighters to a new modification. Do not believe the manufacturer or have more compelling reasons?

[novel66]

there are "miraculous" planes - and there are everyday hard workers

[APASUS]

Quote: novel xnumx

there are "miraculous" planes - and there are everyday hard workers

There are planes, and the F-35 is primarily a commercial idea

[Michael67]

pterodactyls into their air intake ... reptilians.

[novel66]

and the one who is minus

[Private-K]

Fu35 is, first of all, ... a philosophical idea.
The commercial component is already one of the material manifestations.

[knn54]

A little off topic. BUT:
Somehow, back in the last century, I talked with a Yugoslav tanker. In addition to the Soviet ones, they already had Western vehicles, the second option is for exercises. But in battle. According to him, they will go by Soviet cars.

[figwam]

Quote: novel xnumx

there are "miraculous" planes - and there are everyday hard workers

Because the F-35 is a failure, the release of the F-15, F-18 is resumed.

[A. Privalov]

Quote: APASUS

Here at every corner there is a "notice" that the F-35 is a fifth generation aircraft and is simply the crown of perfection.

You are not confusing anything, dear? Just HERE, on every corner "there is an announcement" that the plane of the fifth generation and just the crown of perfection is completely different. We all had the pleasure, literally the day before yesterday, to see with our own eyes all four copies.

[APASUS]

Quote: A. Privalov

Are you confusing anything, dear? Just HERE, on every corner "hangs an announcement" that the aircraft of the fifth generation and just the crown of perfection is completely different. We all had the pleasure, literally the day before yesterday, to see with our own eyes all four copies.

So can we explain what the command of the US Navy does not suit? Why did they suddenly begin to upgrade the old F-18s, and did not wait for technical perfection in the person of the F-35

[Vasily Ponomarev]

did you read the text or just wanted to throw a fan, are you our patriot?

[APASUS]

Quote: Vasily Ponomarev

did you read the text or just wanted to throw a fan, are you our patriot?

I read the text, I don’t see the point to throw it on the fan, I can’t keep up with the specialists, you are my critic!

[A. Privalov]

Quote: APASUS

So can we explain what the command of the US Navy does not suit? Why did they suddenly begin to upgrade the old F-18s, and did not wait for technical perfection in the person of the F-35

I have to upset you, dear. Lockheed Martin Corporation CEO Marilyn Hewson probably has a spokesperson, but that's not me.

[VO3A]

There is no funny situation .. Learn the tactics .. The F-35 has very modest ability to carry weapons in stealth mode in the internal compartments ... But it can provide secret target designation for other aircraft ... By the way, secret modifications to Block-3, more likely of all, and are associated with increased opportunities to receive such target designation, including from the F-35 in the framework of global (network-centric) systems in real time ...

[Foxnova]

It's like hidden target designation.

[opus]

Quote: APASUS

. Do not believe the manufacturer or are there more compelling reasons?

1.Boeing is bad now. Very bad. and they also want to eat
2. The F-35 is cheaper, as Vladimir Vladimirovich would say: "For a tag."
3. A lot of potential customers

4. Good and tidy airplane

[Pete mitchell]

Quote: opus

Boeing is feeling bad right now ...

When Boeing becomes ill, we all will feel sad, for completely different reasons ....

[voyaka uh]

"Do not trust the manufacturer or there are more compelling reasons" ////
----
F-35S - only three training squadrons on three aircraft carriers.
2/3 of the aircraft on all aircraft carriers will leave the F-18, 1/3 - F-35S.
Later it will become: 1/3 F-18 and 2/3 F-35C.

[VO3A]

It is unlikely ! The F-35 does not pull on a multipurpose aircraft and is not needed in the specified quantities ... It is more of an invisible mini AWACS than a multipurpose aircraft ... And if this invisibility is covered, for example, due to the complex use of radars of different ranges, as on the C-350 Vityaz, then you can stop the production of this "MIRACLE"!

[5-9]

For the very tiny AVAKS, you need a powerful radar, and with this the Penguin is a little tight ....

[VO3A]

This aircraft uses radar in passive mode, otherwise, what is invisibility?

[5-9]

If this aircraft uses a radar in passive mode, what kind of aircraft is it AWACS?
If we are talking about the supposedly inconspicuous LPI mode, then there is a theoretical range of 45 km - what kind of AWACS is it? This is the boundary of the detection of OLS and a little missed - and visual detection

[VO3A]

The SU-35 flies with the radar turned on .. It irradiates the F-35, but does not see it ... But the Su-35 can be seen perfectly, do you even understand why they make stealth?

[5-9]

Is this how the Su-35 with the most powerful radar in the world doesn’t see the F-35? :))))
And what does the Su-35 mean "can be seen perfectly"? Phy-35 knows from the PDF that somewhere out there at the rate of such and such, two hundred kilometers away, the Su-35 is shining and .... shta?
Or do you have fantasies that when the radar is turned on, the mutual detection range of Irbis and the deadly ballistic missile FY-35 (taking into account its stealth) is different, and in favor of Fy ???? He and stealth and radar are much thinner than the F-22, and people break spears who whom (Su35 or F-22) will find each other. Again SPO and URVV with passive GOS to help ..

[3danimal]

Powerful - not always "the most sighted." An ESR of 0,01 already sees in less than 100km (claimed characteristics). Which barks good F-35 chances to attack him first.
In addition, PFAR is more sensitive to electronic warfare. Therefore, all developed countries in the world seek to switch to radar with AFAR. Including RF.

[5-9]

The FPR-0,01 will not have an EPR of 35 in real life, perhaps from a special angle, accurate to minutes, the LM achieved such an EPR for hype or for performing TTZ, and multiply by 10 at least ...
In general, the Fy-35 was never planned as a fighter for gaining dominance in the air, well, then the Americans did not assume that in the air he would have opponents steeper than the lone Mig-29s and Su-27s, and he was against them with AWACS and EW ... ..that is why the homegrown Penguin defenders, painting his dignity as an air fighter, are extremely funny.

[3danimal]

LM achieved such EPR for hype or performance of TTZ

Namely, for the sake of TTZ. And the F-22, with an order of magnitude smaller EPR - was also designed based on the requirements of the military.
When they “see” you (they can capture) from a shorter distance than you, this is always a plus, a serious tactical advantage.
Radar - no analogues (in the series), at the moment. Maneuverability - at the level of 4 generations. And they have already been produced 500.
This is called objectivity. Without cliches, insults (how can “them” be better than ours in important respects?) And names (generally from childhood, from somewhere else, also regarding technology )

[5-9]

Radar - no analogues (in the series), at the moment. - Of course, but only in terms of technical excellence and in its mass-dimensional and energy capabilities.
4-generation agility - if by this we mean the overweight F-16s of the extreme series or F-18 (both of you weren't air fighters from the beginning), then yes, but if the Su-27, MiG-29 and F-15, then no. There are no miracles, the indicators of thrust-to-weight ratio and specific load on the wing of the Penguin are not very mildly expressed.
Once again, this is a drummer, the B-B functions are secondary for him and for self-defense ... yes this is the most modern production aircraft of the most advanced aviation country, but this is primarily a drummer ...

[3danimal]

It is interesting, as far as I know - the F-16 is more maneuverable than the F-15 and F-18. And their sea pilots also did not complain about the flying qualities of F-18.
There was an interview with our pilot (he served in the Union in the Far East). He said that before the appearance of the Su-27, F-18, they sometimes openly scoffed at meeting in neutral waters (scorched).
About the overweight of F-16: conformal tanks can be removed, PTB and bombs are always dropped when air combat is necessary. The engine on the latest versions is also more powerful.

[5-9]

Well, in a deep theory, in the 70s they did. In fact, 30 years of Eagle is engaged in gaining dominance in the air in the United States.
The F-18 is maneuverable only in comparison with the F-14:) ... how is the MiG-23 versus the MiG-25? :))

[3danimal]

Mig 25 is generally from another area - the predecessor of Mig-31.
Eagle won superiority not in dogfights, but in the middle and long range (primarily), due to the powerful radar (with AFAR on the latest upgrades), weapons (most victories - using AIM-120 and AIM-7) and organization of their application. Again, learning is important, and most of all Americans fly.

[voyaka uh]

Everything is developing. And the F-35, too. In 2022, scheduled for release
new block F-35. There will be new "bells and whistles" of avionics, essentially
increasing its capabilities against air defense and enemy aircraft.
The new engine is more powerful. 6 missiles, instead of 4, in the internal compartment. Etc.

[voyaka uh]

"And if this invisibility is covered, for example, due to a complex
using radars of different ranges, as on the C-350 Vityaz, "///
----
Israel knows how the S-400 are trying to calculate the F-35 using processing
data of three radars: meter, decimeter and centimeter.
And shoot at the place where the computer said: "here he is - for sure!"
In the hope that, upon approaching the target, an active missile radar will reliably capture the target.
What can I say? - good luck

[VO3A]

And no one has touched you yet ... And the plane can be driven on your patch from the moment of takeoff, or rather rolling out onto the runway ... Who needs you "offended" for now ...

In the hope that, upon approaching the target, an active missile radar will reliably capture the target.

Are you stuck at Vietnam level?

[voyaka uh]

"the plane can be driven on your patch from the moment of takeoff,
or rather rolling out onto the strip "///
----
This is all known. All parties are informed about each other.

[VO3A]

... Here you are from the Arabs descended from one ancestor and are still fighting ... And we remember that this your common ancestor came from our LANDS, from us, if you want ... That's why we are for PEACE ...

[3danimal]

An important point: ARL GOS missiles operate precisely in the centimeter range, the most “vulnerable” against measures to reduce the visibility applied on the F-35.

[ximkim]

Apparently, the U.S. Navy ships are creating stealth technologies for these aircraft: formidable ships, scare with their flag, all kinds of terrible things on board, well, captain America is with them ..

[5-9]

The Navy never wanted the Fy-35 and how they could have kicked it off. From time to time they start a barrel organ to us, something like the size of Tomcat ....

[voyaka uh]

It was a long time ago. Now they conduct joint exercises with aircraft carriers F-18
and F-35. And it became clear to the sailors that the capabilities of the air wing were much
increased. Although, of course, inter-flight maintenance of the F-35 is more difficult
and longer than the F-18.

[KVU-NSVD]

The command of the U.S. Navy decided to upgrade the entire fleet of Super Hornet fighters to a new modification.

The US Navy is clearly not happy with the 35s

[Kurare]

Quote: KVU-NSVD

The US Navy is clearly not happy with the 35s

This is partly, but do not forget the lobbying factor. F-35 - Lockheed, and F-18 - Boeing.
In addition, modernization is always a good way to increase combat effectiveness if aircraft have not developed their resources.

[KVU-NSVD]

If you plan to replace, then the entire park will not be upgraded.

[Kurare]

Is the game worth the candle? Either the modernization will significantly increase the combat efficiency of the F-18, or the Boeing sold it through its lobby, or your truth, the 35th is not able to replace the 18th.

[KVU-NSVD]

Quote: Kurare

Either the modernization will significantly increase the combat efficiency of the F-18, or the Boeing sold it through its lobby, or your truth, the 35th is not able to replace the 18th.

Without a lobby in the US military-industrial complex, little happens, but admirals have their heads and possess detailed information on the 35th and its shortcomings. Although the fleet will have to buy a certain number of Penguins anyway, otherwise it will have a bad effect on sales, which is unacceptable for the military-industrial complex and, therefore, for politicians - who will finance the election companies for them?

[VO3A]

F-18 is the first combat aircraft in which, at the design and testing stage, a program was introduced to reduce the labor costs of ground personnel in preparing the aircraft and maintaining it in good condition. It is not only much cheaper than a penguin, it is also much cheaper to operate ...

[Kurare]

Quote: VO3A

F-18 is the first combat aircraft in which, at the design and testing stage, a program was introduced to reduce the labor costs of ground personnel in preparing the aircraft and maintaining it in good condition.

If I am not mistaken, this is an extremely important criterion specifically for carrier-based aviation. They simply do not have the opportunity to carry out service at specialized enterprises for months.

I do not think that such requirements were NOT imposed on the F-35C. Another thing is how well they were implemented compared to the same F-18 of the latest modifications. I have no quantitative comparison data.

[Pavlik K.]

I play a toy, my partner is online - an instructor on a Hornet, Mario ... Praises, after the rafal, grit, heaven and earth .. he plays well, but loses (I have twice (in real life) raid ...

[fa2998]

Quote: APASUS

. Do not believe the manufacturer or are there more compelling reasons?

We have non-existent analogs of the Su-57, and nevertheless they order the Su-35 and so forth. The reason is several-Price (both aircraft and service), mastered by the staff. Yes and performance characteristics are higher in some parameters than the latest ones.

[Mountain shooter]

It is very likely that the toys have run out, the military realized that the game will go seriously, and they need to get REAL aircraft, which are not a "commercial idea" but air fighters such as the Su-35 ... But what about the plans for "penguins" then? Will they correct?

[voyaka uh]

No, plans for the F-35S remain the same. Form new training squadrons
on aircraft carriers.

[Cowbra]

Terrible news for striped ones ... As soon as the first line goes "Boeing assembled" - then something terrible happens, then a KS-46 refueling tanker without an operator in the tail and tanks that do not fit into it, then self-diving 737 liners, then self-exploding liners same:

Well, at least I didn’t have time to take off) They tested it on the crash test 777, it didn’t work out) Then Starliners, who walk on their own, sending MCC in all languages ​​of the world)))
Didn’t you forget to fasten the wood?

[Vasily Ponomarev]

but in 2019, not a single plane crashed in the USSR, bite off the Americans

[Cowbra]

Yes, not one 737 Max in the world this year also crashed, how to break there when everyone is standing along the fence.

[Vasily Ponomarev]

Well, about the same thing and I

[Avior]

F-35s are replacing the Hornets and will be in their place with the Super Hornets on aircraft carriers.
With the release of F-35 - everything is painted there for years to come.

[eklmn]

Here is a video (eng) with a story about the changes:
https://youtu.be/Gkyz28qJc2w?t=4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gkyz28qJc2w

[Jack O'Neill]

On VO, where there is any mention of "Lightning", they immediately try to omit it.
As they say, if scolded, then it means everything is done right?)

The news says that the F-35 has not yet completed all tests, which is why a new block of Hornets is being ordered. And this does not mean that the F-35 is bad, no, it means that it is necessary to keep the technology in a modern form until the Lightning replaces the Hornet.

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What do you say, given the fact that the Russian Air Forces purchase Su-35S when there is a Su-57? Su-57 is also a hoax?
And here, oddly enough, the same situation!

[Reserve buildbat]

"From the previous version of the fighter (Block-2), the new modification differs in seven updates, of which two are secret and nothing is known about them."
Great. Two secret and nothing is known about them, and five unclassified, which we will not say, because we ourselves do not know.
Very informative.

[Avior]

. At the end of 2019, the F / A-18 Super Hornet Block II carrier-based fighter was equipped with the IRST pendant. The aircraft of the next Block III version will be equipped with conformal fuel tanks to increase flight range, have enhanced communication system capabilities, improved cockpit avionics, reduced IR and EPR radar.
Source: http://bastion-karpenko.ru/fa-18ef/ MTC "BASTION" AVKarpenko

[Reserve buildbat]

Thank you, Sergey

[zwlad]

Well, they tell us about our drying and twinks that Russia is morally obsolete and cannot build a new one, it doesn’t have the 5th generation in the series, and here the bam sometimes also turns out to be a fish cancer