The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has announced that the US Navy’s fleet of Boeing F/A-18 (Hornet and Super Hornet) and EA-18G aircraft has surpassed 12 million flight hours, marking a major milestone for one of the most enduring families of aircraft in modern naval aviation.
This achievement highlights the capability, reliability, and readiness of these multi-role fighters, bombers, and electronic warfare and suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) aircraft.
For decades, and still today, these aircraft constitute the backbone of the US Navy and Marine Corps’ air power.
Essentially, the F/A-18s and EA-18Gs have completed the equivalent of 500,000 days, or almost 1,370 years, of non-stop flight.
Upgrading the Super Hornet and Growler Programs
Currently, the Super Hornets and Growlers are undergoing upgrades to ensure their effectiveness and operational capability in the coming years.
The main upgrades include the modification of the Super Hornet’s service life (SLM), which extends the operational life of the Super Hornet from 6,000 to 10,000 flight hours.
Additionally, the US Navy is delivering Super Hornet Block III, equipped with advanced sensors, enhanced survivability, and a redesigned cockpit to improve pilot performance.
The changes to the Growler Block II include improvements to the mission systems, allowing for future growth capabilities and reinforcing the US Navy’s superiority in electronic warfare (EW).
Photo credit @US Navy
