F/A-18 Hornet Upgrade (HUG) Program

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) project AIR 5376 for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Hornet Upgrade program (HUG) commenced in 1999. The project seeks to modernise the ability of the current RAAF fleet of 55 F/A-18A and 16 F/A-18B aircraft and associated support systems.

The project is being conducted in several phases; Phase 1 incorporated upgraded radios, mission computer, Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation system, upgraded Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) and several structural warranty modifications. Phase 2.1 incorporated the APG-73 radar with enhanced performance, an enhanced interference blanker unit and some additional structural warranty modifications.

Future phases will see the fleet undertake a further avionics upgrade that will install an enhanced counter measures dispensing system, tactical data link (Link 16) and Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (Phase 2.2), an Electronic Warfare Self Protection (EWSP) upgrade (Phase 2.3) and integration of a targeting system (Phase 2.4) Phase 3 of the HUG project will see the fleet undergo a structural refurbishment program (Phase 3.1) with a number of aircraft undergoing the replacement of centre barrels and adjacent structural components (Phase 3.2). In addition, an Aging Aircraft Audit (AAA), ongoing R3 Deeper Maintenance (DM) and minor projects such as Night Vision Capability (NVC) will also be undertaken to ensure that the fleet can continue to perform its air defence tasks through to the Planned Withdrawal Date.

Boeing Australia as prime contractor and leader of the Hornet Industry coalition (HIC) that comprises BAE Systems and L3 Communications MAS (Canada) is currently undertake the following activities:

• Program management and establishment of appropriate management systems that include project, risk, quality, engineering, maintenance etc.
• Engineering and maintenance support of F/A-18 Hornet maintenance and modifications (i.e. establishment and sustainment of Authorised Engineering Organisation and Authorised Maintenance Organisation certification).
• Integrated F/A-18 Hornet Fleet Planning.

• Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and Tooling management for the HIC.
• Supply of consumables through commercial pipelines (i.e. supply support)
• F/A-18 Hornet maintenance and modifications, inclusive of:
• R3 Servicings, including concurrent R1 servicings and required special servicings,
• Incorporation of the Accelerated Modification Program (HUG 3.1),
• Physical aircraft Aging Aircraft Audit (AAA),
• Incorporation of Special Technical Instructions (STI),
• Incorporation of minor modifications,
• Rectification of aircraft unserviceabilities.
• Rectification of Carried Forward Unserviceabilities (CFUs), and
• Wash and corrosion control of the F/A-18 aircraft.