The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, is awarded a not-to-exceed $1,137,300,000, firm-fixed-price, undefinitized modification to a previously awarded contract. This modification procures 10 F/A-18F Lot 46 aircraft, as well as two F/A-18F and 5 F/A-18E Lot 47 aircraft.
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Pacific Ocean, June 14, 2022. An F/A-18F Super Hornet, from the “Fighting Redcocks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, prepares to make an arrested gear landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) (Picture source: U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jared Mancuso)

This modification also provides for Phase One of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler technical data package including the operation, maintenance, installation and training data in support of F/A-18 and EA-18G sustainment efforts for the Navy. Work will be performed in Hazelwood, Missouri (46.7%); El Segundo, California (35.8%); Bloomington, Maine (1.6%); Quebec, Canada (1.6%); Ridley Park, Pennsylvania (1.4%); Vandalia, Ohio (1.0%); various locations within the continental U.S. (CONUS) (10.8%); and various location outside of the CONUS (1.1%), and is expected to be completed in April 2027.

Fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $50,000,000; and fiscal 2022 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $213,060,349, will be obligated at the time of award, $213,060,349 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the EA-18G Growler are both state-of-the-art aircraft developed by Boeing, serving distinct but complementary roles within the United States Navy's fleet.

F/A-18E/F Super Hornet

The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a highly versatile, twin-engine, carrier-capable, multirole fighter jet designed for the United States Navy. It is an evolutionary upgrade from the original F/A-18 Hornet, offering enhanced survivability, range, and payload capacity. The Super Hornet performs a wide array of missions 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.

Key features of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet include:
* Advanced Avionics: Equipped with state-of-the-art radar and sensor systems, the Super Hornet can detect, track, and engage multiple targets in various combat scenarios.
* Enhanced Performance: With improved engines and airframe, the Super Hornet has greater range and endurance, supporting longer missions with less reliance on aerial refueling.
* Carrier Operations: Designed to operate from aircraft carriers, the Super Hornet features robust landing gear and tail hooks for catapult launches and arrested recoveries.

EA-18G Growler

The EA-18G Growler is an electronic warfare variant of the F/A-18F Super Hornet. It is designed to provide tactical jamming and electronic protection to U.S. military forces and allies, effectively disrupting enemy radar and communications systems. The Growler plays a critical role in air operations by safeguarding strike aircraft and ground forces from enemy detection and engagement.

Key features of the EA-18G Growler include:
* Electronic Warfare Suite: The Growler is equipped with the AN/ALQ-99 tactical jamming system, AN/ALQ-218(V)2 Tactical Jamming Receiver, and other sophisticated electronic warfare equipment to detect, jam, and deceive enemy radar and communications.
* Carrier-Based: Like the Super Hornet, the Growler is designed for operation from aircraft carriers, providing unmatched flexibility in deploying electronic warfare capabilities.
* Multi-Role Capabilities: Although primarily focused on electronic warfare, the Growler can also carry air-to-air missiles and is capable of self-defense against enemy aircraft.