F/A-18 Improvement
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 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 II, Targeting Pods, and development of future tactical data fusion that follows previous Common Tactical Picture (CTP) risk reduction efforts. 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 solutions 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 power 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 scheduled to begin in FY22, 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 will support NGAD risk reduction activities. USMC upgrades to the platform are being developed; to include integration and capability expansion of AESA Radar for F/A-18 A-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 A-D, weapons carriage and employment capability expansion, and enhancement of Mission Computer (MC) processing and memory capability. The requirement for Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto-GCAS and/or AGCAS) is documented in the F/A-18 C/D Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System Requirement Letter, dated 20 July 2020: "Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT) has been the leading cause of F/A-18 aircraft loss and aircrew fatality. Protecting the lives of aircrew, and preserving Marine Corps' assets are vital to combat readiness. The F/A-18 community has consistently placed AGCAS as a top platform safety priority in Naval Aviation Readiness Groups, Operational Advisory Groups, and Systems Safety Working Groups. AGCAS aligns with Section 127 of the FY19 National Defense Authorization Act, which directs the Secretary of the Navy to mitigate the risk of pilot incapacitation posed by physiological episodes. Historically, USAF F-16 squadrons have experienced similar CFIT mishap rates. To address this, the F-16 community developed a variant of AGCAS, and has demonstrated real world success in preventing CFIT with at least eight documented "saves." Due to this capability, the risk of CFIT has been effectively mitigated in the USAF F-16 community. Most importantly, AGCAS would have prevented multiple fatal F/A-18 CFIT mishaps based on simulation re-enactments of these events. The USMC F/A-18 community requires AGCAS. The system must be capable of providing an Initial Operating Capability no later than the end of Fiscal Year 2022." 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. Including the development of an AUTOGCAS for the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G as a logical extension of the DVMC-Upgrade leveraging completed work from F/A-18A-D using modifications to the TAWS resident in the existing Super Hornet/Growler DVMC in fatal mishap prevention. Funding for Naval Aviation Physiological Episode (PE) mitigation and root cause investigation in aircraft. Aviation LVC addresses the capability gap for advanced, integrated training for the Great Powers Competition (GPC) high-end fight against a peer adversary. Live execution of the extremely complex GPC scenarios would require tremendous numbers of aircraft operating at ranges and classification levels that far exceed the size and capabilities of existing Tactical Training Ranges (TTR). LVC closes this capability gap with an integrated network of aircrew-operated simulators (Virtual) and computer-generated airborne and surface forces (Constructive) to augment the Live event. This effort will test integrated capabilities with advanced threat and weapon simulation systems, Virtual and Constructive inputs in the Live cockpit, Live and Constructive entities into the simulator cockpit, and modified Operational Flight Programs (OFP) on the F/A-18 and E/A-18G. The F/A-18 effort is associated with the LVC efforts in RDTEN 3093. Electrical Power Systems improvements are required to support increased power loads (i.e GCU, 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.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 1662_0204136N_7_1319_PB_2025
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