RAAF may acquire additional Super Hornets due to JSF delays

With the best-case entry into service date for it's F-35s now expected to be 2016, Australia is looking at options to fill a looming capability gap, with the purchase of a further 18 Super Hornets for the RAAF highly likely. Australian defence officials head for the US this week for an update from Lockheed Martin on the JSF.

Super Hornet crashes near Lemoore; both crew killed

The US Navy has said that one of its F/A-18F Super Hornets has crashed in a field just outside Naval Air Station Lemoore, with both crew on board unfortunately killed. The aircraft belongs to VFA-122, the US Navy's West Coast Hornet and Super Hornet Fleet Replacement Squadron.

US Navy Super Hornet brakes catches fire on landing

The US Navy is investigating an incident in mid-March when an F/A-18F Super Hornet’s brakes caught fire while landing, reportedly in Afghanistan. No other details were available from the Navy's 5th Fleet, but the incident has been classified as a Class A mishap pending determination of the total cost of the damage.

Sarkozy promises Brazil Rafale technology transfer

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has promised France's government would support Dassault's proposed technology transfer to Brazil of its Rafale omnirole fighter in its bid to win Brazil's fighter contract. The Rafale had appeared close to clinching its first export success but Brazil's new President has appeared to be leaning towards Boeing's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

US considers technology transfer for Brazilian Super Hornet deal

Congressional reports from the United States indicate that it is keen to match technology transfer terms offered to Brazil by France and Sweden for the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The Boeing product is competing against Dassault's Rafale and Saab's Gripen NG for Brazil's 36-plane order, the decision which looks to be deferred to 2012.

CVW-2 conducts air combat exercise with Malaysian Sukhois, Hornets

On its way to the Arabian Sea for a scheduled deployment, aircraft from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Carrier Strike Group have participated in a joint aerial combat training exercise with the Royal Malaysian Air Force. F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets from Carrier Air Wing (CVW)2 have joined Malaysian Su-30 and FA-18D Hornets trained in multiple combat scenarios during the exercise.

US Navy budget request wants more Super Hornets, Fire Scout UAVs

The US Navy's budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2012 is out, with the USN requesting the purchase of 28 more F/A-18E/F Hornets for the fiscal year making up a total of 67 by FY 2016. It also wants 12 Fire Scout UAVs, nine more than previously requested.

Brazilian President delays fighter decision; F/A-18E/F chances improve

In what might be a blow France's Dassault Rafale, new Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has decided to delay awarding the hotly-contested Brazilian Air Force fighter contract and re-evaluate the finalists' bids. The French bid had seemingly been the front-runner, but Boeing's F/A-18E/F bid might now be given a second wind.

CVW-5 carries out airborne change of command at Atsugi

The US Navy's only forward-deployed Carrier Air Wing, CVW-5 has carried out an aerial change of command ceremony over Atsugi Naval Air Station in Japan. While flying in F/A-18 Super Hornets, Capt. Daniel S. Cave, deputy commander of the air wing, relieved Capt. Ross A. Myers with the reading of orders taking place as they over the airfield.

Gates suggest fighter options for Japan

American Defense Secretary has suggested Japan should consider either the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the F/A-18 Hornet and the F-15 Eagle for its next fighter during talks with the Japanese Defence Minister. Japan is taking stock of its defense hardware in the face of China's growing military might and assertive stance in the Pacific.

Pentagon cost review: F-35B to be redesigned, put on probation

Some aviation-related takeaways from US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates speech on on cost reviews at the Pentagon.

• The F-35B STOVL remains the only JSF model behind schedule. Redesign of the variant's structure and propulsion may be needed.
  
  
• The F-35B will be put on probation for two years, cancellation at the end of the probation period will remain a possiblity.
  
  
• More F/A-18E/Fs will be purchased for the Navy to cover fighter gaps due to F-35 delays.
  
  
• 150 (legacy?) F/A-18s will have their service lives extended. (also due to F-35 delays)
  
  
• The USAF will field a new, optionally-manned long range nuclear-capable bomber.
  
  
• More Reaper UAVs will be purchased by the USAF.
  
  
• Continuing radar upgrades for existing USAF F-15s.
  
  
• A new seaborne strike/surveillance aircraft will be purchased
  
  

Full transcript of SecDef Gate's speech.

Lockheed-Martin completes JAGM Flying Qualities Tests on F/A-18E/F

Lockheed-Martin has completed a series of tests of its Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) candidate on board the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The F/A-18E/F involved in the tests flew at a variety of flight profiles, including in-flight refueling, while carrying six JAGM mockups on triple-rail launchers along with a combination of other ordnance.

EMALS Launches Super Hornet

For the first time in over 50 years, a US Navy plane has been launched by something other than a steam catapult, with the next-generation electromagnetic catapult performing its first ever live aircraft launch when an F/A-18E Super Hornet was launched from the system. The event took place at the Navy’s Lakehurst Air Engineering Station in New Jersey.

First Australian Super Hornet squadron operational

The RAAF has released a photo gallery of the latest Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornets to arrive Down Under. Four more Super Hornets have arrived at RAAF Amberley, enabling 1 Sqn RAAF to attain Initial Operating Capability (IOC). The remainder of RAAF's fleet of 24 Super Hornets will be delivered by the end of 2011.

Brazilian AF prefers Super Hornet, but president prefers European option

According to US State Department cables leaked by whistleblower website Wikileaks, the Brazilian Air Force prefers the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet but President Lula preferred a European competitor due to technology transfer concerns. The French Rafale and Swedish Gripens are the other contenders for the tender.

Raytheon Touts JAGM Successes

Raytheon, together with Boeing, has tested a production-representative version of its Joint Air To Ground Missile (JAGM). Raytheon and Boeing have also successfully tested JAGM on a Super Hornet. The aircraft then flew representative mission profiles that a JAGM-armed Super Hornet might experience during a combat mission.

VIDEO: RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet first JSOW live fire

In September Australia's new Super Hornets tested their deployment capabilities as No. 1 Squadron conducted their first live weapon trials at the Woomera Test Range, north of Adelaide. This is a video of the first AGM-154C JSOW (Joint Stand Off Weapon) live fire by a RAAF Super Hornet.

See Related Image Gallery

PHOTO: USS Abraham Lincoln sails in a tropical lightning storm

(Click on thumbnail for high res image)
101008-N-4856N-012 STRAIT OF MALACCA (Oct. 8, 2010) Lighting flashes as the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) transits the Strait of Malacca. Abraham Lincoln is underway on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th and U.S. 5th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Colby K. Neal/Released)

Boeing receives US Navy contract for 124 aircraft

Boeing has been awarded a new multi-year procurement contract valued at US$5.3b from the U.S. Navy for 124 new jets. Under the terms of the agreement, Boeing will deliver 66 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and 58 EA-18G Growlers to the Navy from 2012 through 2015.

Boeing completes first RAAF Super hornet with electronic future attack capability

Boeing has completed production of the first Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet with the capability to be converted into an electronic attack aircraft. Twelve Australian Super Hornets are to have this capability.