U.S. Navy Takes Delivery of the 500th Boeing Super Hornet/Growler

[Someoneforyou]

Boeing, US Navy Mark Delivery of 500th Super Hornet/Growler
UNITED STATES - 21 APRIL 2011

* All aircraft delivered on budget and ahead of schedule
* F/A-18E/F and EA-18G will operate through 2035 and beyond

ST. LOUIS, April 21, 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Navy celebrated a milestone delivery on April 20 in St. Louis: 500 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and derivative EA-18G Growlers have joined the Navy's tactical aircraft fleet.

The Super Hornet Block II is the Navy's frontline strike fighter, deploying leading-edge technology and multirole strike capability around the globe. The EA-18G is now the premier airborne electronic attack platform in the Navy's arsenal and the United States' newest tactical aircraft, providing the ability to block enemy radar and electronic systems.

"The Super Hornet and Growler, both combat-deployed, have continuously increased capability for the warfighter while reducing cost for the Navy and the taxpayer," F/A-18 and EA-18 Programs Vice President Kory Mathews said at the ceremony. "Boeing has delivered every F/A-18E/F and EA-18G to the U.S. Navy on budget and ahead of schedule."

"Today is another significant milestone for a program that has by any measure exceeded expectations for cost, schedule and performance," said Capt. Mark Darrah, F/A-18 and EA-18G program manager (PMA-265). "The PMA-265/Hornet Industry Team has consistently delivered capable and reliable aircraft to our fleet customer."

The F/A-18E/F and EA-18G will operate from U.S. Navy aircraft carriers through 2035 and beyond, with the flexibility to seamlessly operate from land-based airfields.

"These aircraft were designed with extensive growth capacity, enabling evolutionary technology to be added throughout the life of the aircraft to expand capabilities and remain well ahead of changing threats," said Mathews.

The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a multirole aircraft 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. The Super Hornet Block II achieved Initial Operational Capability in 2007.

Boeing is on contract to deliver 24 two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornets to the Royal Australian Air Force. The Super Hornet also is a competitor in ongoing fighter competitions in Brazil, India, Malaysia and Japan.

The Boeing EA-18G Growler is the only air combat platform that delivers full-spectrum airborne electronic attack (AEA) capability along with the targeting and self-defense capabilities derived from the Block II Super Hornet. A derivative of the two-seat F/A-18F Block II, the EA-18G's highly flexible design enables warfighters to operate either from the deck of an aircraft carrier or from land-based airfields. It is replacing the Navy's current AEA platform, the EA-6B Prowler, which has been in service since 1971. The EA-18G joined the Navy's aircraft fleet in 2008, when it was introduced to fleet training squadron VAQ-129. The EA-18G achieved Initial Operational Capability in 2009.

Source: The Boeing Company

 

[Someoneforyou]

F/A-18E/F Super Hornet

Both the Super Hornet single seat E and two-seat F models convert quickly from one mission type to the next with the flip of a switch to provide consistent air dominance:

*Day/night strikes with precision-guided weapons
*Anti-air warfare
*Fighter escort
*Close air support
*Suppression of enemy air defense
*Maritime strike
*Reconnaissance
*Forward air control
*Tanker
*Payload Flexibility

The Super Hornet's versatility applies to its weapon stations and payload types:

*11 weapon stations
*Supports a full complement of smart weapons, including laser-guided bombs
*Carries a full spectrum mix of air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance

The Super Hornet is powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400 engines:

*Distinctive caret-shaped inlet to provide increased airflow and reduced
radar signature
*22,000 pounds (98 Kn) of thrust per engine, 44,000 pounds (196 Kn) per
aircraft

Flight qualities:

*Highly departure resistant through its operational flight envelope.
*Unlimited angle-of-attack and carefree flying qualities for highly effective
combat capability and ease of training.
*Reconfigurable digital flight-control system detects and corrects for battle
damage.
*Upgradeability
*Long-term designed in versatility ensures the Super Hornet's investment
value.

Current upgrades delivered in the Block Two configuration include:

*Active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar
*Advanced targeting forward-looking infrared (ATFLIR) system
*Joint-helmet mounted cueing system (JHMCS)
*Multifunctional information distribution system (MIDS)
*Advanced aft crew station
*Fibre channel switch for increased data processing capability
*Fully integrated weapons systems and sensors for reduced crew workload
and increased capability.

 

[Someoneforyou]

EA-18G Growler Airborne Electronic Attack Aircraft:

The EA-18G, currently being delivered to the U.S. Navy, will be the cornerstone of the naval Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) mission. Derived from the combat proven F/A-18F aircraft, the EA-18G incorporates advanced AEA avionics bringing transformational capability for suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) and non-traditional electronic attack operations.

EA-18G Capabilities:

Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses: The EA-18G will counter enemy air defenses using both reactive and pre-emptive jamming techniques.

Stand-off and Escort Jamming: The EA-18G will be highly effective in the traditional stand-off jamming mission, but with the speed and agility of a Super Hornet, it will also be effective in the escort role.

Non-Traditional Electronic Attack: Dramatically enhanced situational awareness and uninterrupted communications will enable the EA-18G to achieve a higher degree of integration with ground operations than has been previously achievable.

Self-protect and Time-Critical Strike Support: With its Advanced Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, digital data links and air-to-air missiles, the EA-18G will have self-protection capability and will also be effective for target identification and prosecution.

Growth: High commonality with the F/A-18E/F, nine available weapon stations and modern avionics enable cost-effective synergistic growth for both aircraft, setting the stage for continuous capability enhancement.

Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) Capabilities:

Full Spectrum: The EA-18G's ALQ-218 wideband receiver combined with the ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System will be effective against any radar-guided surface-to-air threat.

Precision Airborne Electronic Attack: Selective-reactive technology enables the EA-18G to rapidly sense and locate threats with a significantly higher degree of accuracy than was previously possible. This improved accuracy enables greater concentration of energy against threats.

Advanced Communication Countermeasures: Its modular ALQ-227 Communication Countermeasure Set enables the EA-18G to counter a wide range of communication systems and is readily adaptable to an ever-changing threat spectrum.

Interference Cancellation System (INCANS): INCANS dramatically enhances aircrew situational awareness by enabling uninterrupted communications during jamming operations.

EA-18G Growler Fires AMRAAM

 

[Someoneforyou]

Raytheon to Produce Additional APG-79 AESA Radars
UNITED STATES - 16 MAY 2011

El Segundo, Calif. - El Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has received a contract from Boeing for the second procurement in the four-year Multi-Year III program to produce and deliver APG-79 active electronically scanned array radars for F/A-18 Super Hornet tactical aircraft.

The APG-79 AESA radar hardware has 10-15 times greater reliability compared to mechanically scanned array radars. This reliability and easy maintainability makes AESA radars more affordable over the service life of the unit.

"In addition to lower failure and maintenance rates, APG-79 AESA radars provide the U.S. Navy leading-edge technology for situational awareness," said Eric Ditmars, Raytheon's F/A-18 program director, Tactical Airborne Systems. "The long-range capability allows aircrews more time to process, share and assess information."


Source: Raytheon Company

 

[Someoneforyou]

Raytheon Awarded $84.7 Million for ALR-67(V)3 Full Rate Production Contract
UNITED STATES - 24 MAY 2011

El SEGUNDO, Calif. | Raytheon Company has received an $84.7 million U.S. Navy contract for continued production of ALR-67(V)3 digital radar warning receivers. The contract was awarded by the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md.

The ALR-67(V)3 is the U.S. Navy standard for digital radar warning receiver technology. It is made for installation on all frontline, carrier-based F/A-18 E/F tactical aircraft and is an integral part of modernization programs for U.S. and international customers.

The ALR-67(V)3 is the first deployed radar warning receiver to combine fully channelized digital receiver architecture with the power of dual processors. Its innovative architecture enables the successful detection of emitters in high-density electromagnetic environments and uses leading-edge digital technology for improved reliability.

"This technology is fully integrated with all avionics equipment on the Super Hornet. Warfighters need its advanced functionality to support increasingly complex combat operations," said Scott Jackson, general manager of Raytheon's electronic warfare systems product line. "The ALR-67(V)3 improves aircrew survivability by providing immediate and accurate situational awareness of the threat environment."

Deliveries are expected to begin January 2013 with production scheduled at Raytheon facilities in Forest, Miss. and McKinney, Texas.


Source: Raytheon Company

 

[Someoneforyou]

Boeing Wins $409M Order for Nine F-18E Super Hornets

Pentagon Contract Announcement
UNITED STATES - 13 JUNE 2011

The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $408,753,999 ceiling-priced modification to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive-fee contract (N00019-09-C-0019) for the full rate production and delivery of nine fiscal 2011 (LOT 35) F/A-18E aircraft in accordance with the aircraft variation in quantity clause.

Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed in December 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.

The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.


Source: US Department of Defense

 

[Someoneforyou]

U.S. Navy Conducts Integration Flight Tests of ATK's Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) on EA-18G Growler and FA-18E/F Super Hornet
UNITED STATES - 16 JUNE 2011

* ATK's AARGM Missile Combined With EA-18G Growler Aircraft Provides Unmatched Operational Capability

* Successful Integrated Flight Tests Bring AARGM Missile Another Step Closer to Operational Status

MINNEAPOLIS --- ATK's Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) recently completed an initial flight integration test on the EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft in May and has completed multiple flight hours of integration testing on FA-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft.

This series of successful captive-carry tests is part of the process to validate the compatibility of AARGM with these platforms and to pave the way for all U.S. Navy strike aircraft to leverage AARGM's defense suppression capability. With continued successful flight performance, AARGM is expected to complete the Navy's Operational Test Readiness Review and transition into initial operational test and evaluation later this year.

"The AARGM team continues to make great progress in demonstrating missile reliability, affordability and overall performance," said Bill Kasting, Vice President and General Manager of ATK Defense Electronics Systems. "We look forward to operational testing and ultimately delivering this game-changing capability to the warfighter."

"AARGM's defense suppression capability combined with the EA-18G Growler's electronic warfare system creates a formidable advantage in joint and allied operations, and is another major step completed toward delivering AARGM capability to the Fleet," said Capt. Brian Corey, PMA 242 Program Manager for Direct & Time Sensitive Strike Weapons. "AARGM is designed to dramatically increase the effectiveness of U.S. Navy and Italian Air Force capability to suppress and destroy enemy air defense threats. AARGM's multi-spectral seeker and advanced control section can detect, locate, guide to, and engage both fixed and mobile enemy air defense units."

The integration flights supported development testing of new aircraft software for the FA-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft, and were conducted in parallel with the ongoing AARGM Integrated Test & Evaluation (IT&E) phase on the FA-18 C/D aircraft.

AARGM's precision capabilities allow for the destruction of modern enemy air defense systems, time-critical targets, and other mobile targets. AARGM's unique combat capability significantly increases the probability of successful engagements, minimizes the chance of collateral damage and eliminates the need to fly continuous suppression sorties throughout the duration of a conflict.

AARGM, a major upgrade to the AGM-88 HARM system designated the AGM-88E, is a U.S. Navy and Italian Air Force international cooperative program. AARGM provides the warfighter with a supersonic, air-launched tactical missile to be carried on the FA-18C/D, FA-18E/F, EA-18G and Tornado ECR aircraft. The missile is also designed for compatibility with the F-35 Lightning II, EA-6B Prowler and U.S. and Allied F-16 Falcon aircraft. ATK is currently under contract with the U.S. Navy for the Low-Rate Initial Production phase of the AARGM program for both U.S. Navy and Italian Air Force missiles.


Source: ATK Alliant Techsystems

 

[Someoneforyou]

AARGM completes first test on Growler
UNITED STATES - 14 JUNE 2011

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- The Navy's Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) successfully completed its first test on the EA-18G Growler in China Lake, Calif. May 25.

A combined government/industry team conducted the EA-18G captive carry flight test in parallel with the ongoing AARGM Integrated Test & Evaluation phase on the FA-18 C/D aircraft.

Captive carry tests are simulated launches where the weapon stays on the aircraft. The team gathers information from sensors on the weapon to evaluate AARGM performance.

"AARGM is a very capable weapon performing a complex mission. VX-31 and VX-9 have done a superb job of carrying and testing the weapon on FA-18C/Ds as well as Super Hornets," said Cmdr. Chad Reed, deputy program manager for Anti-Radiation Missiles within the Direct and Time Sensitive Strike program office (PMA-242). "AARGM has the potential to be a superb compliment, a force multiplier, in fulfilling current Growler missions."

A complement to the existing AGM-88C High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM), AARGM provides the warfighter with a supersonic, air-launched tactical missile to be carried on the FA-18C/D, and Italian Air Force Tornado electronic countermeasures/reconnaissance aircraft.

"AARGM has demonstrated a much greater accuracy than our existing HARM inventory in striking hostile emitters," Reed added. "The weapon is specifically designed to increase our warfighting capabilities in neutralizing enemy air defenses and will provide aircrews with an additional tool for the electronic attack mission."

According to Reed, the successful integration of AARGM with the EA-18G on this milestone first flight, as well as with F/A-18E/F aircraft bodes well for the success of the program. AARGM has already flown more than 175 flight hours since November 2010, including 25 hours on Super Hornet and Growler aircraft.

The Navy conducts initial flight integration test for Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM)on the EA-18G Growler in China Lake, Calif. in May 2011.

Source: US Naval Air Systems Command

 

[Someoneforyou]

Raytheon Joint Standoff Weapon C-1 Completes Captive-Flight Test Series
UNITED STATES - 18 JUNE 2011

JSOW C-1 will be the first networked air-launched, anti-ship weapon in U.S. inventory

The U.S. Navy completed a series of captive-flight tests on Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Joint Standoff Weapon C-1, putting the warfighter one step closer to gaining a net-enabled standoff weapon with moving maritime target capability.

JSOW is a family of low-cost, air-to-surface weapons that employs an integrated GPS-inertial navigation system and terminal imaging infrared seeker and guides the weapon to the target. JSOW C-1 adds a moving maritime target capability and a two-way strike common weapon datalink to the combat-proven weapon.

"These tests pave the way for a JSOW C-1 free-flight test later this year," said Phyllis McEnroe, Raytheon's JSOW program director. "JSOW C-1 is the only air-launched weapon in production that enables the warfighter to engage moving ships over the horizon, and it's approved for export."

Conducted on an F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet, the tests demonstrated the weapon's ability to detect and track moving targets, provide in-flight updates, re-target in flight, and handoff in-flight control to a third party source.

"Accurately striking moving maritime targets using standoff weapons is a critical warfighter capability," said Lt. Cdr. Samuel Hanaki, U.S. Navy's Precision Strike Weapons program office. "When JSOW C-1 reaches initial operational capability in 2013, the warfighter will have an air-launched, net-enabled weapon that gives them greater effectiveness at sea and in the littorals."


Source: Raytheon Company

 

[Someoneforyou]

Photos: U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornets:

GULF OF ADEN (June 20, 2011) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Checkmates of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 are conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (June 16, 2011) An F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 9 taxis into position at Elmendorf Air Force Base during Northern Edge 2011, the premier joint military training exercise throughout Alaska. Northern Edge provides capabilities-centered joint exercises that ensures service members are ready for deployment worldwide and adept in the detection and tracking of units at sea, in the air and on land.

ARABIAN SEA (June 18, 2011) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Argonauts of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 launches near F/A-18C Hornets aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting close-air support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

ARABIAN SEA (June 6, 2011) Sailors assigned to the Black Knights of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154 lower a GBU-38 joint direct attack munition from an F/A-18F Super Hornet on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting close-air support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 2, 2011) Three F/A-18E Super Hornets from the Tophatters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14 fly over the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group is conducting a joint task force exercise.

ARABIAN SEA (May 31, 2011) Two F/A-18F Super Hornets assigned to the Checkmates of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211 launch from the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 are conducting close-air support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 31, 2011) An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 drops inert ordnance during an air power demonstration over the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 16, 2011) An F/A-18F Super Hornet from the Black Aces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41 lands aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group is participating in a composite training unit exercise off the coast of Southern California.

 

[Someoneforyou]

Photos: U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler Airborne Electronic Attack Aircrafts:

PACIFIC OCEAN (March 30, 2011) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class Riley Hart, from Costa Mesa, Calif., stands as a safety observer before an EA-18G Growler launches from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is underway conducting fleet replacement squadron carrier qualifications off the coast of Southern California.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 29, 2011) An EA-18G Growler assigned to the Shadowhawks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 prepares to take off from the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). George H.W. Bush is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting a composite training unit exercise.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 23, 2010) An EA-18G Growler assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 launches from the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 23, 2010) An EA-18G Growler assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 lands during flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). George H.W. Bush is underway conducting training operations in the Atlantic Ocean.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 21, 2010) An EA-18G Growler assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 takes off from the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). George H.W. Bush is underway in the Atlantic Ocean.

EL CENTRO, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2008) An EA-18G Growler, assigned to the "Vikings" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129, takes off at Naval Air Facility El Centro during a training exercise. VAQ-129 began transitioning and training pilot instructors to fly the Growler to replace the fleet's current carrier-based EA-6B Prowler.

OAK HARBOR, Wash. (July 25, 2008) Aviation Ordnancemen from Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 move an advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM) into position for loading onto an EA-18G Growler as they go through their aircraft weapons loading procedures during a conventional weapons technical proficiency inspection (CWTPI) at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

 

[Someoneforyou]

U.S. Navy's Infrared Search and Track System reaches Milestone B
UNITED STATES - 28 JUNE 2011

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. | The U.S. Navy's infrared search and track (IRST) system reached Milestone B June 17.

The acquisition review board, led by Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development, and Acquisition) Vice Adm. W. Mark Skinner, determined the IRST system has satisfied all requirements for Milestone B and will enter the engineering and manufacturing development phase of the program.

The IRST capability, which will be employed on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, is a long-wave infrared sensor system that searches for and detects heat sources within its large field of regard. Unlike radar systems, IRST is passive and does not give off radiation, making it harder to detect.

"The Infra-Red Search and Track system will transform the way the Super Hornet conducts air-to-air operations. It is truly a game changing capability," said Capt. Mark Darrah, F/A-18 and EA-18G program manager (PMA-265). "This new capability will give the warfighter an advantage over traditional fire control systems for air-to-air missions in a high-threat environment."

The IRST allows long-range detection and tracking of enemy under normal and electronic attack environments. It increases survivability and lethality in both offensive and defensive counter-air roles.

"I am proud of how we have worked with our industry partners, Boeing and Lockheed Martin, to bring this much-needed capability of detecting enemy aircraft, one step closer to the fleet," said Brian Hall, deputy program manager of the F/A-18 and EA-18G program office.

Along with the Distributed Targeting System, which reached Milestone C earlier this spring, the IRST capability is part of the Navy's F/A-18E/F flight plan, designed to ensure that the Block II Super Hornet will stay ahead of known and emerging threats through 2025 and beyond.

Now moving on to the engineering and manufacturing development phase, the IRST system will be fully integrated onto the F/A-18E/F platform and prepared for manufacturing. The program will then request a low-rate initial production decision in Milestone C, which is slated for the middle of fiscal year 2014.

The Boeing Company in St. Louis, Mo., is manufacturing the IRST system.

Photo: An F/A-18F Super Hornet flies with an infrared search and track (IRST) system integrated in the front section of the aircraft's center fuel tank during system flight testing.

Source: US Naval Air Systems Command

 

[Someoneforyou]

U.S. Navy's EA-18G Growlers Complete First Combat Deployment
UNITED STATES - 12 JULY 2011

Boeing EA-18G Growlers Complete 1st Combat Deployment

* 2 additional EA-18G squadrons now deployed
* Growlers operating from aircraft carrier, land base

ST. LOUIS, July 12, 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] EA-18G Growlers operated by U.S. Navy electronic attack squadron VAQ-132 safely returned to their home base at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., on July 9, after completing an eight-month deployment that included combat operations in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) areas of responsibility.

During the deployment, VAQ-132's personnel and aircraft supported CENTCOM operations in Iraq before quickly transitioning to AFRICOM to conduct operations supporting NATO in Libya.

Additional EA-18Gs are deployed with electronic attack squadron VAQ-141 aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN77) aircraft carrier, marking the aircraft's first sea-based deployment. VAQ-141 is expected to conduct support missions as part of Carrier Air Wing Eight in the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf regions.

A third electronic attack squadron, VAQ-138, recently deployed to a land-based location.

"It's a very exciting accomplishment for the Navy and for our nation to have the Growler in the fleet -- on time, on cost, and with the performance that was expected. What we're hearing from the fleet is that the young lieutenants and lieutenant commanders who are flying the aircraft are, just as we thought, taking advantage of the capabilities of the Block 2 Super Hornet to make the jet more effective," said Capt. Mark Darrah, F/A-18 and EA-18G program manager (PMA-265). "We're looking forward to more feedback from the fleet in order to continue developing exciting capabilities for the aircraft."

"Boeing is honored to support the Navy and the service members operating and maintaining the new EA-18G Growler," said Kory Mathews, Boeing F/A-18 and EA-18 Programs vice president. "As we join the Navy in celebrating its first 100 years of aviation success, the service continues to achieve milestones that will stand out for decades to come."

The EA-18G is the only air combat platform that delivers full-spectrum airborne electronic attack (AEA) capability along with the targeting and self-defense capabilities derived from the Navy's frontline fighter, the F/A-18E/F Block II Super Hornet. A derivative of the two-seat F/A-18F Block II, the EA-18G's highly flexible design enables warfighters to operate either from the deck of an aircraft carrier or from land-based airfields. It is replacing the Navy's current AEA platform, the EA-6B Prowler, which has been in service since 1971. The EA-18G joined the Navy's aircraft fleet in 2008, when it was introduced to fleet training squadron VAQ-129.

Photo: EA-18G Growlers assigned to the Scorpions of Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ-132 perform a fly-by during a homecoming ceremony at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, on July 9, 2011, following an eight-month expeditionary deployment supporting Operation New Dawn and Operations Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector (Libya)

Source: The Boeing Company

 

[indian_sukhoi]

More to come!!!!

Since F-35 is no were near in production. More F-18s will be ordered, like the Australian Airforce.

 

[Someoneforyou]

Raytheon Joint Standoff Weapon C-1 Completes First Free-Flight Test
UNITED STATES - 9 AUGUST 2011

JSOW C-1 will be the first networked air-launched, anti-ship weapon in the U.S. inventory

TUCSON, Ariz., Aug. 9, 2011 -- The U.S. Navy completed the first free-flight test of Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Joint Standoff Weapon C-1, bringing the world's only net-enabled standoff weapon with moving maritime target capability closer to initial operational capability.

JSOW is a family of low-cost, air-to-ground weapons that employs an integrated GPS-inertial navigation system and terminal imaging infrared seeker, guiding the weapon to the target. JSOW C-1 adds moving maritime target capability and the two-way strike common weapon datalink to the combat-proven weapon.

"When JSOW C-1 reaches initial operational capability, scheduled for 2013, U.S. and international warfighters will have a powerful new weapon," said Lt. Cmdr. Samuel Hanaki, U.S. Navy JSOW Deputy Program Manager. "This weapon will give warfighters the needed capability to precisely engage moving ships at sea from standoff ranges."

The first free flight of the JSOW C-1 demonstrated the weapon's ability to operate on the Link-16 network and autonomously prosecute a mobile maritime target using new seeker algorithms.

During the test, which met all objectives, the JSOW C-1 was released from an F/A-18F Super Hornet and guided to a ship target located 20 nautical miles (more than 23 statute miles) from the launch point. The JSOW C-1 provided weapon in-flight track and bomb hit indication status messages and used in-flight target updates based on designation of the target ship by the Raytheon Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared pod. The test concluded successfully when the weapon impacted the target at the pre-determined aimpoint.

"The JSOW C-1 first free flight is a definitive demonstration of our ability to modify an existing JSOW C weapon with new hardware and software to implement a critical moving maritime target capability for the Navy's fleet warfighters," said Phyllis McEnroe, Raytheon's JSOW program director.


Source: Raytheon Company