F/A-18 Improvement

Abstract

F/A-18 Improvements (1662): The F/A-18 is a multi-mission strike fighter aircraft that is used in Air-to-Air strike, surveillance, reconnaissance and tanking roles through selected use of external equipment (fuel tanks, tactical and reconnaissance pods, and various ordnance launching racks). Additional capabilities are required for interoperability in a network-centric tactical environment. In order to respond effectively to emerging future threats, F/A-18 aircraft capabilities are being upgraded to incorporate new/enhanced weapons systems and avionics including Dual Mode Weapons, an Infrared Search and Track (IRST), Integrated Defensive Electronic Counter Measures (IDECM) integrated with the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) to provide Narrow Band High Gain Electronic Attack (NBHGEA), Distributed Targeting precision strike capability through a Distributed Targeting Processor/Mass Storage Unit (DTP/MSU), and Sensor Integration through Multi-Sensor Integration (MSI) Phase I capability. Continued advanced development engineering and analysis of hardware/software is required to successfully optimize fleet F/A-18 weapon systems for interoperability in a network centric tactical environment, to include: enhanced software capabilities, potential new hardware development, enhanced existing hardware, and enhanced network centric capabilities. Additionally, continued effort is needed to perform technical evaluations, modeling and simulations, investigative flight testing, and enhanced software modifications based on reported fleet deficiencies. This funding line continues F/A-18E/F "Flight Plan" spiral capability development, which includes Sensor Integration - Multi-Ship Emitter Geo-Location capability and Sensor Integration - MSI Phase II capability. This budget also continues funding for F/A-18A-F Test Wing Maintenance support.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2011
Source ID
1662_0204136N_7_1319_PB_2011

Tags

Readers

  • Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems

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