The U.S. Navy has received its first new-production Block III F/A-18 Super Hornet for testing, Naval Air Systems Command announced this week.
The upgraded Navy fighter aircraft is the first of 78 Boeing-built Block III Super Hornets set to be delivered through the mid-2030s.
Among the features included in the jet is an advanced cockpit system with:
A large touchscreen display
Advanced networking capabilities
Radar signature enhancements
A 10,000-hour service life airframe
“The fleet needs capabilities to keep its edge,” said Capt. Jason “Stuf” Denney, U.S. Navy F/A-18 and EA-18G program manager. “Getting the first operational Block III in our hands is a great step forward in supporting our capability and readiness goals.”