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Contact:
Patricia Frost |
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Contact:
Patricia Frost |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
97-19
ST. LOUIS, Jan. 24, 1997 -- The F/A-18 Super Hornet successfully completed initial sea trials just five days after making its first arrested landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis Jan. 18. F1 completed its schedule of events one week early, a testament to the cooperative effort between the Navy and contractor.
Super Hornet's sea trial qualifications demonstrated an impressive reduction in final landing approach speed -- 10 knots slower than the F/A-18C/D -- which increases the safety margin and handling characteristics for the pilot.
During the five days of tests, F1 performed 64 arrested carrier landings and launches, and 54 touch-and-go's.
"This aircraft turns in one outstanding performance after another," said Lt. Frank Morley, U.S. Navy test pilot. "The Navy has a winner in the Super Hornet. There's nothing out there that matches the performance and capability of this airplane."
Capt. Joe Dyer, F/A-18E/F program manager for the U.S. Navy, had similar high praise for the Super Hornet.
"Sea trials are a tremendously important aspect of this test program. Super Hornet's performance throughout the trials was nothing short of outstanding. The Navy contractor team can be proud of this accomplishment," added Dyer.
"These are exciting times for the Super Hornet," said Jerry Daniels, vice president and general manager for the Hornet program at McDonnell Douglas. "This is naval aviation history in the making."
Upon its return to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., F1 will begin weapons testing. Following weapons testing completion, F1 will resume sea trials in 1998.
Super Hornet is one-third of the way through the flight test program. The program remains on schedule, on budget and 700 lbs. under specified weight.
The second two-seat Super Hornet, F2, ferried from St. Louis to Pax River Jan. 23. McDonnell Douglas pilots Dave Desmond and Guy Clayton piloted the aircraft during its 1.9-hour flight. One Super Hornet, E3, remains in St. Louis. E3 is scheduled to ferry to Pax within the next two weeks.
Production of the Super Hornet will begin with center and aft assembly at Northrop Grumman in May 1997, followed by forward fuselage assembly at McDonnell Douglas in August 1997.
The Navy intends to purchase 1,000 Super Hornets, with delivery scheduled to begin in 2001.