The F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet is the newest highly capable, affordable and available tactical aircraft in U.S. Navy inventory. The Super Hornet is the backbone of the U.S. Navy carrier air wing now and for decades to come.
The combat-proven Super Hornet delivers cutting-edge, next-generation multi-role strike fighter capability, outdistancing current and emerging threats well into the future. The Super Hornet has the capability, flexibility and performance necessary to modernize the air or naval aviation forces of any country. Two versions of the Super Hornet – the single-seat E model and the two-seat F model – are able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum, including air superiority, day/night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and tanker missions.
Longer range with low-drag, conformal fuel tanks. The shoulder-mounted tanks can carry 3,500 pounds of fuel and reduce drag, allowing the aircraft to operate longer, go faster and/or carry more weight.
The Advanced Cockpit System includes a new 10 x 19 inch touchscreen display provides the pilot with the capability to see, track and target multiple long range targets generated by the common tactical picture.
4,000 additional hours by incorporating design changes into production aircraft based on lessons learned from the Service Life Analysis Program.
Long-range detection with Infrared Search and Track that can detect threats without having to depend on radar which may be jammed, generating a multi-ship, common tactical picture at long range, allowing the Super Hornet to operate as a smart sensor node on the network.
Enhanced network capability with a system that improves computing power (DTP-N), network throughput (TTNT) and sensor/platform integration, allowing large amounts of data on and off the airplane. It also has the increased ability to receive targeting information from other platforms.
February 20, 2020 in Defense
Learn MoreFebruary 6, 2020 in Defense
Boeing has given an F/A-18 a new lease on life after delivering the first Super Hornet under Service Life Modification to the U.S. Navy. The second SLM jet will deliver by the end of the month, and Boeing will deliver the third F/A-18 in April.
Learn MoreFebruary 14, 2019 in Defense
Take an up-close look at the new Advanced Cockpit System going into Block III Super Hornets.
Learn MoreNovember 29, 2018 in Defense
Hear from U.S. Navy pilots and crew aboard the USS George H.W. Bush discuss the power the F/A-18 Super Hornet provides the carrier air wing, and why it excels in both air-to-air and air-to-surface missions.
Learn MoreMay 7, 2018 in Defense
Boeing welcomed back the first F/A-18 Super Hornet to enter the Service Life Modification program to St. Louis.
Learn MoreApril 23, 2018 in Defense
Hornet Homecoming for F/A-18 Squadron in St. Louis
Learn MoreFebruary 20, 2018 in Defense
The first Super Hornet off the Boeing St. Louis production line in nearly two years entered the U.S. Navy fleet. Several more Super Hornets will follow.
Learn MoreJanuary 17, 2018 in Defense, Technology
F/A-18 pilots demo Boeing's Advanced Cockpit System, highlighted by an interactive touch screen.
Learn MoreSeptember 27, 2017 in Defense
Boeing crews split two retired Super Hornets in two to study how heavy usage impacts the aircraft.
Learn MoreSeptember 6, 2017 in Defense
Tuesday Sept. 5, 2017 the global fleet of F/A-18 Hornets, Super Hornets and EA-18 Growlers reached 10 million flight-hours.
Learn MoreJune 7, 2017 in Defense, Community
The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels, visited the Boeing Saint Louis site. The pilots met with Boeing employees and toured the factory where Boeing builds F/A-18 aircraft.
Learn MoreMay 7, 2014 in Defense, Technology
Boeing test pilots showcase the Advanced Super Hornet and what its new capabilities mean for potential customers—and for military fighter pilots.
Learn MoreJanuary 28, 2014 in Defense
Meet the crew of the USS George H.W. Bush at sea to get a feel for what life is like aboard an aircraft carrier, and to see F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets in action.
Learn MoreDecember 13, 2013 in Defense
Hear from U.S. Navy pilots aboard the USS George H.W. Bush about the newest and most advanced tactical aircraft in the Navy fleet.
Learn MoreJuly 15, 2013 in Defense
Join Steve “Bull” Schmidt, a veteran Boeing test pilot, for the first production flight of an F/A-18 jet. He says he has the best job in the company.
Learn MoreApril 9, 2013 in Defense, Technology
In a continuously evolving battle environment, the heat is always on. And the Infrared Search and Track (IRST) capability is taking full advantage.
Learn MoreThe first operational F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet squadron formed in June 2001 and deployed into combat aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in July 2002. In April 2005, Boeing delivered the first Block II Super Hornet, complete with the world’s first tactical multi-mode AESA radar, and it became fully operational at the end of 2007. In August, 2021 Boeing delivered the first of 78 contracted Block III F/A-18 Super Hornets to the U.S. Navy. Block III gives the Navy the most networked and survivable F/A-18 built with a technology insertion plan that will outpace future threats.
