US Navy orders 17 additional F/A-18E/F Super Hornets

The first F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Block III for the US Navy made its maiden flight on 4 June 2020. The latest order will keep the Super Hornet production line open until 2027. (Boeing)

The US Navy (USN) has placed a USD1.1 billion order for 17 new Boeing F/A-18E/F Block III Super Hornets, to procure five single-seat E models and 12 two-seat F models. Delivery is scheduled to begin in late 2026 and continue through early 2027.

The agreement includes “Phase One of the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G technical data package including the operation, maintenance, installation, and training data”, according to the 19 March contract award notice. Securing data rights to the aircraft is intended to allow the USN to sustain them with its own personnel and facilities rather than rely on Boeing or subcontractors.

Both the USN and US Air Force have in recent years placed high priority on securing data rights, arguing that service personnel could maintain the aircraft for less money than contractors, and that such rights are necessary to effect future modifications that might involve equipment from third parties.

“The technical data package was a crucial part of this negotiation; it is necessary for naval aviation's operational readiness and post-production sustainment,” said Rear Admiral John Lemmon, the navy's programme executive officer for tactical aircraft programmes, in a 19 March statement.

The new procurement extends the life of Boeing's St Louis, Missouri F/A-18 line, which was scheduled to close in 2025 without additional orders.