U.S. Navy Receives First Aircraft under Super Hornet Block III Modernization

Boeing has completed the upgrade and life extension of the first two service life modification (SLM) F/A-18 Block III Super Hornets.

The program’s first aircraft were delivered for upgrading in mid-2023. The upgraded jets have the same capabilities as Super Hornets being delivered from Boeing’s new-build production line.

In partnership with the Navy, Boeing has improved productivity and is completing Block III upgrades ahead of the 15-month contract requirement. This was made possible by establishing a baseline for the condition of Block II F/A-18s received at Boeing, the Navy’s work to prepare the jets in advance, and sharing information and best practices across multiple SLM sites to improve efficiency, manage workload distribution, and optimize resource allocations.

Block III upgrades include a large area display and more powerful computing through Tactical Targeting Network Technology and a Distributed Targeting Processor-Networked open mission systems processor. The work is being done at Boeing sites in St. Louis and San Antonio, and at the Navy’s Fleet Readiness Center Southwest in San Diego.

Boeing and the Fleet Readiness Center Southwest signed a Public-Private Partnership agreement in March to expand the work scope at the command, paving the way for the readiness center to now perform the same Block III SLM work done in St. Louis and San Antonio.