F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Block-III for Indian Navy, Discussions and Info Sharing

FalconSlayers

धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः
Senior Member
Joined
Oct 14, 2020
Messages
27,205
Likes
187,094
Country flag
Guys I am starting a new thread regarding the recent offer of F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Block-III to the Indian Navy by US Secretory of State Mike Pompeo.
1604037649831.jpeg

My arguments that support why Navy should consider this


1. We have formed a QUAD 🇮🇳 🇺🇸 🇯🇵 🇦🇺 so common platforms will be better
2. F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Block-III is better overall than the Rafale F34 being offered in terms of technology, price etc.
3. We can Integrate Meteor Missiles on these jets because of being a NATO aircraft.
4. Spares and Overhauling done in India along with maintenance
5. Will better co-ordinate with P8is, MH-24Rs and Sea Guardian drones of Indian Navy.
6. Comes with a G—F414 engine that will share commonality with engine in future Tejas MK2, ORCA, TEDBF and AMCA aircrafts.
7.Can carry Advance LRASM cruise missile

8. Can become a strong deterrent to China and Pakistan
9. Has an twin seater combat variant the F/A-18F Super Hornet Block-III and is a twin seater like our Su-30 MKIs
10. Will enable us to purchase E/A-18F Growler Electronic Warfare aircrafts which are a total beast Plus will enable us purchase the E-2 HawkEye AEW&CS aircraft from USA for INS Vishal.
11. Won’t affect TEDBF as INS Vishal will have enough scope for TEDBF and maybe Navy can buy some more TEDBF for ground based operation in Andaman and Nicobar Islandsand the rest of development cost of TEDBF will be beared by ORCA the airforce version of TEDBF as MWF will be a single engine fighter and IAF will need an indigenous twin engine fighter so ORCA will be considered for sure But hornets are necessary coz TEDBF will Not go into production before 2030.

your views?
 

Dessert Storm

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2020
Messages
1,672
Likes
5,862
Country flag
Guys I am starting a new thread regarding the recent offer of F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Block-III to the Indian Navy by US Secretory of State Mike Pompeo.
View attachment 64760
My arguments that support why Navy should consider this


1. We have formed a QUAD 🇮🇳 🇺🇸 🇯🇵 🇦🇺 so common platforms will be better
2. F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Block-III is better overall than the Rafale F34 being offered in terms of technology, price etc.
3. We can Integrate Meteor Missiles on these jets because of being a NATO aircraft.
4. Spares and Overhauling done in India along with maintenance
5. Will better co-ordinate with P8is, MH-24Rs and Sea Guardian drones of Indian Navy.
6. Comes with a G—F414 engine that will share commonality with engine in future Tejas MK2, ORCA, TEDBF and AMCA aircrafts.
7.Can carry Advance LRASM cruise missile

8. Can become a strong deterrent to China and Pakistan
9. Has an twin seater combat variant the F/A-18F Super Hornet Block-III and is a twin seater like our Su-30 MKIs
10. Will enable us to purchase E/A-18F Growler Electronic Warfare aircrafts which are a total beast Plus will enable us purchase the E-2 HawkEye AEW&CS aircraft from USA for INS Vishal.
11. Won’t affect TEDBF as INS Vishal will have enough scope for TEDBF and maybe Navy can buy some more TEDBF for ground based operation in Andaman and Nicobar Islandsand the rest of development cost of TEDBF will be beared by ORCA the airforce version of TEDBF as MWF will be a single engine fighter and IAF will need an indigenous twin engine fighter so ORCA will be considered for sure But hornets are necessary coz TEDBF will Not go into production before 2030.

your views?
All the Mig 29Ks should be transferred to the IAF with changes made for land based roles. Navy should go in for SH+Growler combination. Both these aircrafts can be flown alongside IAF aircrafts if the need arises. Govt can look at 54 F15s too for Northern Borders.
 

FalconSlayers

धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः
Senior Member
Joined
Oct 14, 2020
Messages
27,205
Likes
187,094
Country flag
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Block-III has a higher airframe life also, I am not sure IAF is even considering F-15EX even if it is a beast. Coz it will be much more expensive than the Rafale In flyaway cost and then make In India cost, Spares and logistics, India specific enhancements and weapons. So I think IAF will be going for Rafale F4. We should have bought F-15s instead of Su-30MKIs earlier in the past but what can we do now?
 

FalconSlayers

धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः
Senior Member
Joined
Oct 14, 2020
Messages
27,205
Likes
187,094
Country flag

F/A-18 Super Hornet (Block III)


Lethal, Advanced, Affordable

The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet is the world's most lethal, advanced, combat-proven, multi-role frontline fighter-jet.
The Block III version which is currently being manufactured for the United States Navy will enable the Indian armed forces to challenge the next generation of adversaries. It can 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 defence, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and buddy refueling
Significant technology insertions in the form of advanced cockpit, new computing & advanced data link, conformal fuel tanks, increases airframe life and ability to carry wide variety of weapons makes F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet most lethal platform for Air Force and Navies of the world.
More than 700 F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets are in operation today. F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet will offer superior economics to the Indian armed forces in the form of low cost of acquisition, operations and high mission readiness.
Key Features
1. Multi-role Superiority
Capable of tactical strikes, air reconnaissance, air defense, and maritime roles
2. Cutting-edge Technologies
Enhanced computing and data link, advanced cockpit system, signature improvements
3. Lifecycle Affordability
Lowest cost per flight hour among all U.S. tactical fighter in production. High mission capability rates
4. Future Ready
Unrivaled growth potential to complement future air wing capabilities
Latest Generation Technology
Game Game Changer for the Indian Navy
The F/A-18 Super Hornet Block III offers the Indian Navy a unique and differentiated capability in the form of an advanced, combat proven, multi-role naval fighter that is fully compatible with the Indian Navy carriers and would boost the growing maritime and defense relationship between the United States and India.
Designed as a carrier-based fighter for high- loading, high stress operations, the F/A-18E/F Block III Super Hornet requires minimal support equipment and will offer impressive low cost per flight hour with high mission readiness.
The F/A-18E/F Block III Super Hornet can act as a force multiplier for the Indian Navy as it interfaces with assets such as the P-8I.
By India – For India Sustainment
Boeing's 'For India - By India' sustainment program builds on the company's nearly eight decades of history in the country, leveraging existing programs, growing supply chain capabilities and partnering with the local industry.
The Super Hornets will be sustained in India, in partnership with the Indian armed forces as well as India and U.S.-based partners throughout the lifecycle of the aircraft. This will further enable its growth and develop advanced expertise in maintenance, resulting in higher availability of the aircraft, at competitive pricing and reduced risk for the Indian armed forces.
1604043636955.jpeg
 

FalconSlayers

धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः
Senior Member
Joined
Oct 14, 2020
Messages
27,205
Likes
187,094
Country flag
1604815612305.png


It comes with A zero drag Conformal Fuel Tank and an internal weapons bay also!
its revolutionary hence navy should go for it, it also has an F-35 like IRST.
1604815699054.jpeg


F/A-18E/F Advanced Super Hornet Block-III’s Internal weapons bay!


and this is all it can carry...
1604815760478.png


F/A-18E/F Advanced Super Hornet Block-III’s IRST...!!!
1604815832055.jpeg


Man its a killer machine! A single pod carries all weapons that it can carry on its pylons! And has a high situational awareness with MAWS 360° Coverage.
 

asianobserve

Tihar Jail
Banned
Joined
May 5, 2011
Messages
12,846
Likes
8,556
Country flag
SH with 10 1,000lb GBU-32 JDAMs + 2 AIM 9X + Centerline drop tank
kahdah525252.jpg


message-editor_1497045161241-34348719634_a739dea9da_k.jpg


But IN would need a CATOBAR carrier to take full advantage of Super Hornets capabilities. I don't know how feasible is the idea of leasing USS Nimitz even for just 5 years for training when it retires.
 

FalconSlayers

धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः
Senior Member
Joined
Oct 14, 2020
Messages
27,205
Likes
187,094
Country flag
SH with 10 1,000lb GBU-32 JDAMs + 2 AIM 9X + Centerline drop tank
View attachment 65846

View attachment 65847

But IN would need a CATOBAR carrier to take full advantage of Super Hornets capabilities. I don't know how feasible is the idea of leasing USS Nimitz even for just 5 years for training when it retires.
We should have worked for EMALS in Vikrant but our old fashioned Soviet Mentality never goes.
 

Immanuel

Senior Member
Joined
May 16, 2011
Messages
3,541
Likes
7,446
Country flag
impossible to have an external load with no drag !

Is it a Lockeed Martin like marketing ? :)
CFTs are bolted on the airframe, there is a net gain in terms of drag since with CFTs you remove the pylons + fuel tanks (which create a lot of drag), along with the stealthy low drag weapons pods, the drag is reduced a lot in an operational case. Bombs, Missiles also create drag and increase RCS based on payload. The weapons pod + CFT would therefore reduce drag and rcs by a good amount.
 

BON PLAN

-*-
Contributor
Joined
Dec 24, 2015
Messages
6,418
Likes
6,999
Country flag
CFTs are bolted on the airframe, there is a net gain in terms of drag since with CFTs you remove the pylons + fuel tanks (which create a lot of drag), along with the stealthy low drag weapons pods, the drag is reduced a lot in an operational case. Bombs, Missiles also create drag and increase RCS based on payload. The weapons pod + CFT would therefore reduce drag and rcs by a good amount.
I agree. It is a stealthy and fuel saving option, but not a zero drag solution !
 

Aniruddha Mulay

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 16, 2019
Messages
1,817
Likes
9,696
Country flag
With the enclosed weapons pod and CFTs, I doubt how much external weapons the F-18 SH Block 3 can carry and still be able to takeoff from a ski jump carrier.
 

BON PLAN

-*-
Contributor
Joined
Dec 24, 2015
Messages
6,418
Likes
6,999
Country flag
With the enclosed weapons pod and CFTs, I doubt how much external weapons the F-18 SH Block 3 can carry and still be able to takeoff from a ski jump carrier.
All depend of the engine (different kinds of F414 possible), the lengh of the flat top, the speed of it, the speed of the contrary wing.... so difficult to say.
But every one know that ski jump is not a nice solution... except for Air to Air mission.
 

Pugilist

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 1, 2020
Messages
195
Likes
1,537
Country flag
Interesting times ahead.

Well, there’s no mystery anymore, is there.

All that’s left, is for India to find the money.

If they do, they’ve got one helluva fighter jet on their hands — one that will make Chinese fighter jets of the PLAAF, pale in comparison.

According to a report in Military.com, a US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet has demonstrated it can take off from a “ski jump” ramp, proving it can someday operate from international aircraft carriers — a big plus for foreign sales.
“The F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet will not only provide superior war fighting capability to the Indian Navy but also create opportunities for cooperation in naval aviation between the United States and India.”
 

FalconSlayers

धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः
Senior Member
Joined
Oct 14, 2020
Messages
27,205
Likes
187,094
Country flag
What will Indian Navy do once INS Vikrant gets commissioned? We will fall short of Aircrafts.
 

Super Flanker

Aviation and Defence Enthusiast
Senior Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2021
Messages
4,957
Likes
11,395
Country flag
ea-18g-rollout-01-w445_14100.jpg

If we are going to buy FA-18 for the Indian Navy than we should acquire the Growler Configuration variant of the Aircraft as well. FA-18 or Rafale, we have buy one of these before TEDBF Because TEDBF still has time to come. But US Aircrafts come with a strong US policy as well. What if we buy a whole fleet of these Aircrafts and if in the near future our relationship with The US becomes strained? Than US will definitely use a kill switch to disable these Aircrafts. I am not saying we should not buy this but there are lots of terms and conditions too which come with these US planes. What about That? Huh? Answer this question of mine.
 

Super falcon

Regular Member
Joined
Nov 22, 2021
Messages
870
Likes
806
Country flag
F 18 in indian navy will boost Capability capacity and Technolocal Edge against china many folds specially growler super hornets

 

Wisemarko

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 1, 2016
Messages
1,310
Likes
2,554
Country flag
View attachment 130399
If we are going to buy FA-18 for the Indian Navy than we should acquire the Growler Configuration variant of the Aircraft as well. FA-18 or Rafale, we have buy one of these before TEDBF Because TEDBF still has time to come. But US Aircrafts come with a strong US policy as well. What if we buy a whole fleet of these Aircrafts and if in the near future our relationship with The US becomes strained? Than US will definitely use a kill switch to disable these Aircrafts. I am not saying we should not buy this but there are lots of terms and conditions too which come with these US planes. What about That? Huh? Answer this question of mine.
Kill switch? Where do you find that?
 

Global Defence

Articles

Top