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2020-02-02

Super Hornet Flies with IRST Block II

Boeing and the U.S. Navy have flown the first F/A-18 Super Hornet equipped with an Infrared Search & Track (IRST) Block II pod, a critical component of the Block III Super Hornet. The Block III conversion will boast a longer range with conformal fuel tanks and include enhanced network capability, an advanced cockpit system, signature improvements and an enhanced communication system.

While the debut flight took place in late 2019, updates are expected to keep the F/A-18 in active service for decades to come, as confirmed by Jennifer Tebo, Boeing Director of F/A-18 Development:

“The IRST Block II gives the F/A-18 improved optics and processing power, significantly improving pilot situational awareness of the entire battle space.”

IRST is a passive, long-range sensor incorporating infrared and other sensor technologies for highly accurate targeting. In being able to detect and track objects that emit electromagnetic radiation - or infrared signatures - it’s a sensor system that can identity and follow threats from long distances.

What makes the IRST unique is its ‘passive’ nature where it doesn’t emit any radiation of its own. As a ‘see first, strike first’ sensor system, this enables aircrews to target threats or adversaries before those adversaries see (or sense) them.

With IRST, aircrews can engage adversaries within threatening environments but without using radar, so eliminating the risk of detection, jamming or electronic attack. Seeing first and striking first thus enables aircrews to increase their lethality and improve their survivability.

In the risk reduction phase of development, Super Hornet flights have allowed Boeing and the Navy to collect valuable data on the IRST system before deployment to the fleet. The Block II variant will then be delivered to the Navy in 2021, reaching Initial Operational Capability shortly thereafter.

Kenen Nelson, Lockheed Martin Director of Fixed Wing Programs and supplier of the IRST sensor, is clear of the benefits: “The IRST Block II sensor gives Navy fighters extended range and increasing survivability. This technology will help the Navy maintain its advantage over potential adversaries for many years.”

All-weather Attack Aircraft

The single-seat F/A-18 Hornet was the U.S Navy’s first strike-fighter designed for traditional strike applications such as interdiction and close air support, while the Super Hornet operates across the full mission spectrum of air superiority, fighter escort, reconnaissance, aerial refuelling, close air support, air defence suppression and day/night precision strike. Compared to the original F/A-18 A-D models, Super Hornet has longer range, aerial refuelling capability, increased survivability/lethality and improved carrier suitability, while carrying precision-guided munitions like Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), Joint Stand-Off Weapon (JSOW) and all variants of Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM).

The F/A-18 demonstrated its capabilities and versatility during Operation Desert Storm, shooting down enemy fighters and bombing enemy targets with the same aircraft on the same mission. In breaking all records for tactical aircraft in availability, reliability, maintainability and survivability, Hornets can take direct hits from surface-to-air missiles to recover successfully, be repaired quickly and fly again the next day.

Longer Range with Low-Drag

The Block III Super Hornet’s boasts shoulder-mounted conformal fuel tanks which can carry 3,500 pounds of fuel and reduce drag. These tanks allow the aircraft to operate longer, go faster and/or carry more weight.

Advanced Smart Cockpit

The Super Hornet’s cockpit system includes a new 10 x 19inch touchscreen display, which provides the pilot with the capability to see, track and target multiple long-range targets generated by a common tactical picture.

The Block II IRST’s long-range threat detection does not depend on a jammable radar, enabling a multi-ship, common tactical picture at long range, which allows the Super Hornet to operate as a smart sensor node on the network.

Advanced Network Infrastructure

The advanced infrastructure provided by the Block III Super Hornet offers enhanced network capability with improved computing power (DTP-N), network throughput (TTNT) and sensor/platform integration.

Not only does this architecture allow large amounts of data on and off the airplane, but it has increased ability to receive targeting information from other platforms.

Excellence from Air to Surface

Excelling in both air-to-air and air-to-surface missions, F/A-18s can be quickly configured to perform fighter and attack roles through selected use of external equipment. This "force multiplier" capability gives the operational commander more flexibility when employing tactical aircraft in rapidly changing battle scenarios.

The Super Hornet boasts the capability, flexibility and performance to modernise air or naval aviation forces everywhere. The single-seat E and the two-seat F models of the Super Hornet can perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum, including air superiority, day/night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and tanker missions.

The Super Hornet’s fighter missions are primarily fighter escort and fleet air defence, while attack missions include force projection, interdiction, close and deep air support. It is one of the most cost-effective aircraft in the U.S. tactical aviation fleet, costing less per flight hour than any other tactical aircraft to provide the U.S. Navy carrier air wing with a new backbone for decades to come.

Reference Text/Photo:www.boeing.com

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