Evolved from its predecessor, F/A-18 Super Hornet is a multi-role combat aircraft in the 30-tonne AUW Class with all the attributes of a Fourth Generation+ weapon system. The Block 2 offered to India—christened the F/A-18IN— includes a redesigned forward fuselage to accommodate the Raytheon APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) fire control radar which not only provides much superior air-toair detection and tracking ranges but also higher resolution air-to-ground mapping at longer ranges. The cockpit is fitted with a colour digital map and the pilots are equipped with night-vision goggles.

Talking exclusively to SP’s Aviation Editor-in-Chief Jayant Baranwal, Michael E. Rietz, Boeing Programme Director–India, F/A-18 outlines the multiple roles and assets of the Super Hornet being offered to India

SP’s Aviation (SP’s): What are the main features/capabilities of the F/A-18IN Super Hornet being offered to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in response to the RFP for acquiring 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA)?

Michael E. Rietz (Rietz): The Super Hornet will provide the IAF a tactically superior and combat-proven multi-role combat capability. The Super Hornet’s exceptional warfighting capability is further enhanced by its renowned reliability, ease of maintenance, and exceptional operational availability—all of which contribute to its low Life Cycle Cost.

The Super Hornet includes the latest generation of military technologies. Key technologies, such as its advanced AESA radar, are operational today with the US Navy (USN), which will result in lower MMRCA programme development and schedule risks than other competing aircraft. A technology insertion plan for the Super Hornet will continue to be implemented by the USN to ensure continued combat excellence over its service life. India will have the opportunity to jointly participate with the USN in future technology upgrades. The Super Hornet will remain a highly capable and combat relevant asset in the USN force structure for the next 40 years, thereby ensuring the IAF availability of spares and repairables for long-term support.

Boeing and its industry partners will provide timely transfer of advanced manufacturing technologies and internationally recognised programme management practices to enable the successful licensed manufacture and on-schedule delivery of Super Hornets by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the MMRCA Lead Production Agency, to the IAF. Boeing and its industry partners commit to a 50 per cent direct offset programme that will provide Indian industry access to a wide variety of advanced aerospace technologies and offer its defence and aerospace industry the opportunity to establish meaningful, long-term business relationships with the US industry.