F/A-18 Squadrons

Abstract

The F/A-18 is required to perform multiple missions. The continued F/A-18 E/F and EA-18G "Flight Plan" spiral capability development is critical to the baseline of the Super Hornet next generation mission system capability to maintain the platform's tactical relevance in support of Navy Aviation Plan 2030. Development continues for a platform solution to threat Advanced Electronic Attack (AEA) and Counter-Electronic Attack (CEA). F/A-18 solutions to CEA include upgrades to existing sensors such as F/A-18 Radar Upgrade, Infrared Search and Track Block I/II, development of future tactical data fusion that follows previous Common Tactical Picture (CTP) risk reduction efforts, and power upgrades necessary to electrify those systems. Tactical data fusion capability is the next step in expanding the F/A-18E/F contributions to the force war fighting capability by combining multiple aircraft and sensor inputs, that effectively extends the engagement range while maximizing sensors and weapons. Incremental improvements continue with Multi-System Integration (MSI), Multi-Ship Ranging (MSR), and other algorithm improvements that are driven by sensor advancements, and efforts designed to increase aircraft lethality and kill chain effectiveness. Development and fleet delivery of special purpose integrated solution designated by Speed to Fleet by commanders, such as PACFLT MVP Pod continue with dedicated resources and approved action plan. Software Modernization R&D efforts continue with new operating environment (hardware and software solutions) designed to take advantage of rapid software integration and security improvements that harden and protect the aircraft and weapon systems. The effort includes Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools that reduce future costs and schedule of technology insertion. Capabilities of the F/A-18 weapon system and ancillary equipment require upgrades to accommodate, incorporate, and new and enhanced weapons and advances in technology to respond effectively to emerging future threats. Future integrated Carrier Air Wing Concept of Operations (CONOPS) demand changes to the base line Block II Super Hornet. Development and Operational Testing for Block III Super Hornet are required with incremental updates to mission computer software and fusion system will be required as fleet takes delivery of aircraft. Continuation of F/A-18 Block III development and improvements which will be incorporated in the near term with a combination of forward fit production line incorporation and retrofit modifications to the aircraft already planned as part of the Service Life Modification (SLM) Plan. Additionally, Block III system and other technology solution development will support NGAD risk reduction activities. USMC upgrades to the platform are being developed; to include integration and capability expansion of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar for F/A-18 C/D, evaluation and development of an Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (AUTOGCAS) for all F/A-18 variants, development of increased sensor and Electronic Warfare (EW) capability for F/A-18 C/D, weapons carriage and employment capability expansion, and enhancement of Mission Computer (MC) processing and memory capability. Funding for Naval Aviation Physiological Episode (PE) mitigation and root cause investigation in aircraft. Funding for the Digital Video Map Computer-Upgrade (DVMC-U)/Advanced Crew Station (ACS) Improved Tactical Displays which will enable Panoramic "Big Picture" view of the Battle Space for improved weapons employment and engagement. Leveraging completed work from F/A-18 C/D to include the development of an AUTOGCAS for the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G is a logical extension of the DVMC-Upgrade using modifications to the Terrain Avoidance Warning System (TAWS) resident in the existing DVMC in fatal mishap prevention. Current F/A-18E/F EW suite will not keep pace against evolving threats. Advanced Electronic Warfare (ADVEW) provides increased survivability and enhanced SA throughout the EM spectrum against current, expanded and complex RF threats/environment. Incremental approach to collaborative detection/jamming initiatives and Common Tactical Picture, Tactical data fusion concepts. Network Cyber Defense provides for the development of a hardware and software based solution into the Distributed Target Processor - Network (DTP-N) in order for the network cyber defense to provide the F/A-18 E/F and EA-18G with a capability to detect an intrusion and prevent avionics terminals on the data from being corrupted by malicious software and identify when the software is not operating normally. F-18 modernization Global Lightning development is an integrated F/A-18E/F and EA-18G Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communications solution. This effort includes the development of a software defined radio, Global Lightning aperture, and resilient communication enablers. Additionally, this will encompass an aircraft integration effort to support two way data and voice BLOS capability. This capability provides joint, multi-domain connectivity for the distributed battlespace Beyond Line Of Sight (BLOS) tactical communication and puts a common tactical picture into the hands of the pilot. The capability also provides a resilient, real-time gateway between the 4th and 5th generation tactical aircraft with datalinks at the tactical edge with assured C2 and targeting from national and other off board sensors. The data is provided through multiple data paths and supports Long Range Fires in critical environments. Beyond Line Of Site (BLOS) also provides tactical communications for joint, multi-domain connectivity in support of distributed battlespace. This incremental approach allows for rapid, Speed-to-the-Fleet capability insertion as technology and solutions are developed. The continuum previously known as Next Generation Naval Mission Planning System (NGNMPS) updates legacy Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) into an integrated capability providing advanced multiple/dissimilar aircraft planning capabilities focused on emerging, high-threat mission areas (including complex, integrated kinetic/non-kinetic effects). Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) Aircraft funds the testing of F/A-18 and EA-18G aircraft and trainers into the Live, Virtual, Constructive, blended training environment to close the Great Powers Competition training capability gap for mission rehearsal for the high end fight. F/A-18 and EA-18G are a critical part of the Aviation LVC System of Systems (SoS) training environment bringing already-developed capabilities together with new developmental efforts to form a cohesive architecture that accurately emulates the high end fight for warfighter training. As a result of the F/A-18 and EA-18G system capability upgrades, electrical power system improvements are required (i.e Generator Converter Unit (GCU), Transformer Rectifier Unit (TRU), Feeder Wire). JUSTIFICATION FOR BUDGET ACTIVITY: This program is funded under OPERATIONAL SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT because it includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

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Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2025
Source ID
0204136N_7_1319_PB_2025
Change Summary Explanation
Cost: The FY2025 funding request increased by $41.392M as follows: 1662: increase of $58.683 for F-18 modernization Global Lightning development, increase of $12.290 million for F/A-18E/F Stores Management Set, reduction of $21.043M for other program adjustments, and reduction of $2.635 million for miscellaneous rate adjustments 2065: reduction of $5.838M for other program adjustments and $.031M for miscellaneous rate adjustments 2071: Not Applicable 9099: reduction of $.034M for miscellaneous rate adjustments 9999: Not Applicable Technical: 1662: Not Applicable 2065: Not Applicable 2071: Not Applicable 9099: Not Applicable 9999: Not Applicable Schedule: PU 1662: MSI/CTP, Cyber, NGNMPS, Flight Plan and ADVEW FY25 and out schedule updated due to the F/A-18 System Configuration Set (SCS) transitioning from a H-Build software model that delivered a major release every two years to a Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) that will deliver smaller releases more frequently as part of Continuous Integration, Delivery & Deployment (CID&D). Under CID&D, the previous SCS H-builds have been combined into a common baseline that provides release opportunities when capabilities are ready. The F/A-18E/F and EA-18G schedules reflect two release opportunities per Fiscal Year (FY); this is a notional schedule only as the program is not tied to two releases a year, and will determine when to release based on requirements and software readiness. Under CID&D the program will deliver capability to the warfighter with relevance and more quickly than the waterfall construct of H-builds allowed. - Added Obsolescence Redesign SMS Development to begin Q2 FY25 - Added Obsolescence Redesign SMS Software Integration to begin Q2 FY25 - Added Obsolescence Redesign SMS Engineering Support to begin Q2 FY25 - Revised Obsolescence Redesign FCC Development Testing to begin Q1 FY26 - Added Obsolescence Redesign SMS T&E to begin Q1 FY27 - Revised USMC Upgrades AUTOGCAS DT to complete Q1 FY24 - Revised USMC Upgrades AUTOGCAS IT to complete Q4 FY25 - Added DVMC-U Support line - Revised DVMC-U Lab DT to complete Q4 FY25 - Revised DVMC-U Lab IT&E to complete Q2 FY26 - Added Cyber Hardware Development to begin Q3 FY23 - Added Cyber Hardware Integration to begin Q3 FY24 - Revised Cyber Integration OT to begin Q4 FY26 - Added BLOS Global Lightning (GL) HW & SW Development to begin Q1 FY24 and complete Q4 FY26 - Added BLOS Global Lightning (GL) HW & SW T&E to begin Q1 FY25 and complete Q4 FY26 - Revised NGNMPS schedule to better align with current program requirements 2065: FY25 and out schedule updated due to the F/A-18 System Configuration Set (SCS) transitioning from a H-Build software model that delivered a major release every two years to a Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) that will deliver smaller releases more frequently as part of Continuous Integration, Delivery & Deployment (CID&D). Under CID&D, the previous SCS H-builds have been combined into a common baseline that provides release opportunities when capabilities are ready. The F/A-18E/F and EA-18G schedules reflect two release opportunities per Fiscal Year (FY); this is a notional schedule only as the program is not tied to two releases a year, and will determine when to release based on requirements and software readiness. Under CID&D the program will deliver capability to the warfighter with relevance and more quickly than the waterfall construct of H-builds allowed. - Revised Obsolescence Redesign to complete Q4 FY24 - Removed Advanced Development - Removed 80 Series SW Interoperability - Revised HGESM/Wideband Development to complete in Q3 FY27 - Added Software Integration, Flight Plan Test and Evaluation and OT releases to align to new agile software release opportunities - Removed H20 Release - Removed ASuW Fleet Release and WBR Deliveries. 2071: - Not Applicable 9099: - Revised Pressure Testing to complete Q2 FY23 9999: - Not Applicable
Service Agency Name
Navy

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Navy

Tags

Readers

  • Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
  • Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.

Technology Areas

  • Cyber
  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics
  • Space

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