Explained : Super Hornet Fighter Jets | UPSC
HEADLINES:
Super Hornet fighter jets being tested for Navy use
WHY IN NEWS:
Demonstrations held at Maryland in U.S. successful: Boeing
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 3: Defence
ISSUE:
SUPER HORNET FIGHTER JETS
OVERVIEW
- 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.
LAUNCH
- The first operational F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet squadron formed in June 2001.
- It was deployed into combat aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in July 2002.
ROLE
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 refuelling.
KEY FEATURES
- MULTI-ROLE SUPERIORITY : Capable of tactical strikes, air reconnaissance, air defense, and maritime roles
- CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGIES : Enhanced computing and data link, advanced cockpit system, signature improvements
- LIFECYCLE AFFORDABILITY : Lowest cost per flight hour among all U.S. tactical fighter in production. High mission capability rates
- FUTURE READY : Unrivaled growth potential to complement future air wing capabilities.
SIGNIFICANCE
- Significant technology insertions in the form of advanced cockpit, new computing & advanced data link make the aircraft combat ready .
- 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.
SOURCES : WWW.BOEING.CO.IN
GAME CHANGER FOR THE INDIAN NAVY
- The F/A-18 Super Hornet Block III offers the Indian Navy an advanced, combat proven, multi-role naval fighter.
- 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 .
- It 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.
- Boeing is leveraging existing programs, growing supply chain capabilities and partnering with the local industry.
- 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.
IASbhai WINDUP:
‘FORCE MULTIPLIER’
- The ability of F/A-18 to interface with the Navy’s P-8I as a “force multiplier” and also with other platforms under induction.
- The Navy has contracted 24 Lockheed MH-60R multi-role helicopters with deliveries to begin next year.
- As a part of Boeing’s proposed “By India, for India” sustainment program, the Block III Super Hornets could be serviced in partnership with the Indian Navy as well as India and U.S. based partners.
SOURCES: THE HINDU | Explained : Super Hornet Fighter Jets | UPSC

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