Quantcast

US Naval Aviation advances amid evolving threats

Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
General Dynamics says G800 jet receives FAA, EASA certifications
United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
Southwest Airlines extends flight schedule through early April 2025
Cathay Pacific reaches 3,400 pilots this year, with low resignation rate of 2.9%
Qatar Airways Nears Boeing 777 Fleet-Wide Starlink Upgrade
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
50 New Routes Launching In April 2025
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
US Naval Aviation advances amid evolving threats
Policy
Webp grow
Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Horne | Wikipedia

The Department of Defense's 2024 Annual Report sheds light on key US Naval Aviation programs, notably the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler. These aircraft are integral to the Navy's operational strategy, each serving distinct roles. The Super Hornet had its first flight in 1995 and achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in 2001, while the Growler reached IOC in 2009.

Both aircraft continue to be essential for missions from carriers or forward bases. A focus on agile Continuous Integration, Delivery, and Deployment (CID&D) strategies is crucial for their ongoing success. "The success of these programs will hinge on collaborative efforts between contractors, test squadrons, and policymakers," as noted in the report.

The term "strike fighter" has evolved over time within naval contexts since the 1940s and was fully adopted by the United States Navy by the 1970s. It refers to multirole combat aircraft that emphasize aerial combat capabilities. This term became official with the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet being labeled a strike fighter in 1983.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Referred to as the "Rhino" due to its size and features, the Super Hornet remains a powerful jet operating from US Navy aircraft carriers despite advancements like the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). Current initiatives aim to maintain peak operational standards for both aircraft through updates such as integrating the Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Block II system.

According to the Department of Defense's annual report, "the IRST Block II is designed to help pilots detect, track, and engage threats without relying solely on radar." However, reliability concerns have yet to be fully addressed.

Specifications of these aircraft highlight their capabilities: The Super Hornet costs $67.4 million per unit with two F414-GE-400 engines providing significant thrust. Its counterpart, the EA-18G Growler shares many components but focuses on electronic warfare capabilities with systems like AN/ALQ-218 wideband receivers.

Modernization efforts include software updates such as SCS H18 Releases designed to incorporate new electronic attack technologies like Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB). Boeing and other contractors play critical roles alongside operational test squadrons like VX-9.

Recommendations from the 2024 report advise completing dedicated OT of SCS H18 Release 3 before fielding subsequent versions and implementing September 2024 recommendations from SCS H18 Release 2 EFR.

Balancing modernization with readiness requires addressing emerging threats while ensuring software reliability. The continuous evolution of these platforms reflects a global shift toward electronic warfare necessitating regular updates. This aligns with efforts to adapt swiftly without compromising safety or quality through rushed integration.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

The Learjet 75 Liberty marks a significant chapter in the history of private aviation.

Apr 28, 2025

United Airlines is expanding its international network from Denver International Airport with the addition of two new routes.

Apr 28, 2025

Romania's commercial aviation industry is centered around Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport, also known as OTP, which serves as a primary gateway to the Romanian capital.

Apr 28, 2025

There are varying opinions about whether commercial or private aviation professionals earn higher incomes due to numerous influencing factors.

Apr 28, 2025

KLM has announced plans to resume flights to Barbados, re-establishing a route that previously operated until March 2023.

Apr 28, 2025

Delta Air Lines, an Atlanta-based carrier, currently operates Boeing 737-800 and -900ER series aircraft on various routes.

Apr 28, 2025