Defence

Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet perfects operational drills to meet the Indian Navy test requirements

Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet perfects operational drills to meet the Indian Navy test requirements.
The F/A-18 Super Hornet completed performance configuration tests and drills required to meet the expectations of the Indian Navy.

The tests followed eight ski-jumps in various weights and configurations during previous tests held at NAS, Patuxent River in Maryland in late 2020.

Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet successfully completed operational demonstration tests at Indian Naval Station Hansa in Goa, India, thus assuring the Super Hornet’s ability to effectively and safely function off Indian Navy carriers.

Two U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets completed multiple ski-jumps, roll-in and fly-in arrestments, as well as performance flights, in a variety of weights in the air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-surface configurations, meeting the Indian Navy test requirements.

Alain Garcia, vice president, India business development for Boeing Defense, Space & Security and Boeing Global Services stated “The Boeing team was privileged to showcase the F/A-18 Super Hornet’s compatibility with Indian carriers in Goa, As the most advanced frontline multi-role naval fighter, the F/A-18 Super Hornet is one of the world’s most proven and affordable multi-role fighters and continues to evolve with the development of the next-generation Block III capability which will be game-changing for India. “With the Super Hornet Block III, the Indian Navy would not only get the most advanced platform but would also benefit from tactics, upgrades and knowledge related to the naval aviation ecosystem that the U.S. Navy offers.”

The tests were followed by eight ski-jumps in various weights and configurations during previous tests held at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River in Maryland in late 2020 that demonstrated the Super Hornet’s ability to operate from a short takeoff but arrested recovery (STOBAR) aircraft carrier.

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Boeing has strengthened its supply chain with more than 275 local companies in India and a joint venture to manufacture fuselages for Apache helicopters. Annual sourcing from India stands at $1 billion. Boeing currently employs close to 4,000 employees in India, and more than 7,000 people work with its supply chain partners.