F/A-18 Squadrons

Mission — F/A-18 Squadrons source

The F/A-18 is a high performance, twin-engine, mid-wing, multi-mission tactical aircraft designed to provide strike and Fleet Air Defense in support of USN and USMC requirements. The EA-18G is derived from the F/A-18F and provides Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA). The F/A-18 is designed to meet current Navy and Marine Corps fighter escort and interdiction mission requirements, to maintain fleet air defense and close air support roles, as well as an increasing range of missions including Aerial Tanking and Long Range Fires. F/A-18E/F enhancements include increased range and improved carrier suitability required for the F/A-18 to continue its key strike fighter role against the advanced threats of the 21st century. The EA-18G Growler is the primary AEA platform supporting the Joint Force and the sole tactical AEA aircraft in the DoD inventory. This Program Element (PE) funds the development and improvement of the F/A-18 and EA-18G platform through its primary missions: Advanced Electronic Warfare (ADVEW), Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) Global Lightning (GL) capability, Brizo Beacon Phase I and Phase II upgrade, Digital Video Map Computer-Upgrade (DVMC-U)/Advanced Crew Station (ACS), F/A-18 E/F and EA-18G "Flight Plan" spiral capability development, Live Virtual Constructive (LVC), Multi-System Integration (MSI), Multi-Ship Ranging (MSR) improvements, F/A-18 E/F/G Network Cyber Defense, Next Generation Naval Mission Planning System (NGNMPS), F/A-18 E/F/G Network Cyber Defense, Stores Management Set (SMS) Stores Management Processor (SMP), Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (AUTOGCAS), Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR) Upgrade and Physiological Episode (PE) Mitigation. JUSTIFICATION FOR BUDGET ACTIVITY: This program is funded under OPERATIONAL SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT because it includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year. The total cost of the Advanced Electronic Warfare (ADVEW) Middle Tier of Acquisition effort is $179 million, including RDT&E of prototype units. The ADVEW is fully funded across the Future Years Defense Program.

Mission — F/A-18 Improvement source

Advanced Electronic Warfare (ADVEW) provides increased survivability and enhanced SA throughout the EM spectrum against current, expanded and complex RF threats/environment. Incremental approach to collaborative detection/jamming initiatives and Common Tactical Picture, Tactical data fusion concepts. Network Cyber Defense provides for the development of a hardware and software-based solution into the Distributed Target Processor - Network (DTP-N) in order for the network cyber defense to provide the F/A-18 E/F and EA-18G with a capability to detect an intrusion and prevent avionics terminals on the data from being corrupted by malicious software and identify when the software is not operating normally. This project funds equipping F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft with an Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (AGCAS) to prevent Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT). AGCAS continuously monitors terrain elevation data stored in the Digital Video Map Computer (DVMC) / Digital Video Map Computer Upgrade (DVMC-U), aircraft altitude (INS/GPS), and predicted flight path, to proactively identify and predict potential CFIT incidents. The system generates warnings and advisories, culminating in automatic flight control inputs to recover the aircraft and prevent collisions. F-18 modernization Global Lightning (GL) development is an integrated F/A-18E/F and EA-18G Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communications solution. This effort includes the development of a software defined radio, Global Lightning aperture, and resilient communication enablers. Additionally, this will encompass an aircraft integration effort to support two-way data and voice BLOS capability. This capability provides joint, multi-domain connectivity for the distributed battlespace Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) tactical communication and puts a common tactical picture into the hands of the pilot. The capability also provides a resilient, real-time gateway between the 4th and 5th generation tactical aircraft with datalinks at the tactical edge with assured C2 and targeting from national and other off board sensors. The data is provided through multiple data paths and supports Long Range Fires in critical environments. Beyond Line of Site (BLOS) also provides tactical communications for joint, multi-domain connectivity in support of distributed battlespace. This incremental approach allows for rapid, Speed-to-the-Fleet capability insertion as technology and solutions are developed. Brizo Beacon is an upgrade to the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G Aircraft Carrier Landing System (ACLS) that consists of two phases. Brizo Phase I upgrades the APN-245 ACLS to the APN-246 Distributed Maritime Operations Landing System (DMOLS)/Brizo Phase I on F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft. Phase I addresses aircraft beacon obsolescence, retains backward compatibility with legacy aircraft and shipboard equipment, and provides a tactically relevant subset of the full Precision Approach Landing Capability (PALC) Contested Environment capability on a timeline aligned with the approved PALC North Star roadmap. Phase II is the next evolution of the ACLS unit to further mitigate contested environment threats and eliminates the legacy APN-245 functionality. Phase II implements the full PALC capability by replacing the legacy ACLS APN-246 and AN/SPN-46 and providing the capability to operate with a redesigned radar-based contested environment landing system. Brizo Phase II is a collaborative effort between PMA-265 and PMA-213 to design and develop a suitable replacement. Funding for the Digital Video Map Computer-Upgrade (DVMC-U)/Advanced Crew Station (ACS) Improved Tactical Displays which will enable Panoramic "Big Picture" view of the Battle Space for improved weapons employment and engagement. Leveraging completed work from F/A-18 C/D to include the development of an AUTOGCAS for the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G is a logical extension of the DVMC-Upgrade using modifications to the Terrain Avoidance Warning System (TAWS) resident in the existing DVMC in fatal mishap prevention. Current F/A-18E/F EW suite will not keep pace against evolving threats. The F/A-18 is required to perform multiple missions. The continued F/A-18 E/F and EA-18G "Flight Plan" spiral capability development is critical to the baseline of the Super Hornet next generation mission system capability to maintain the platform's tactical relevance in support of Navy Aviation Plan 2030. As a result of the F/A-18 and EA-18G system capability upgrades, electrical power system improvements are required (i.e. Generator Converter Unit (GCU), Transformer Rectifier Unit (TRU), Feeder Wire). Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) Aircraft funds the testing of F/A-18 and EA-18G aircraft and trainers into the Live, Virtual, Constructive, blended training environment to close the Great Powers Competition training capability gap for mission rehearsal for the high-end fight. F/A-18 and EA-18G are a critical part of the Aviation LVC System of Systems (SoS) training environment bringing already-developed capabilities together with new developmental efforts to form a cohesive architecture that accurately emulates the high-end fight for warfighter training. Development continues for a platform solution to threat Advanced Electronic Attack (AEA) and Counter-Electronic Attack (CEA). F/A-18 solutions to CEA include upgrades to existing sensors such as F/A-18 Radar Upgrade, Infrared Search and Track Block I/II, development of future tactical data fusion that follows previous Common Tactical Picture (CTP) risk reduction efforts and power upgrades necessary to electrify those systems. Tactical data fusion capability is the next step in expanding the F/A-18E/F contributions to the force war fighting capability by combining multiple aircraft and sensor inputs, that effectively extends the engagement range while maximizing sensors and weapons. Incremental improvements continue with Multi-System Integration (MSI), Multi-Ship Ranging (MSR), and other algorithm improvements that are driven by sensor advancements, and efforts designed to increase aircraft lethality and kill chain effectiveness. Development and fleet delivery of special purpose integrated solution designated by Speed to Fleet by commanders, such as PACFLT MVP Pod continue with dedicated resources and approved action plan. Software Modernization R&D efforts continue with new operating environment (hardware and software solutions) designed to take advantage of rapid software integration and security improvements that harden and protect the aircraft and weapon systems. The effort includes Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools that reduce future costs and schedule of technology insertion. F/A-18 E/F/G Network Cyber Defense supports a hardware and software based solution into the Distributed Target Processor - Network (DTP-N) in order for the network cyber defense to provide the F/A-18 E/F and EA-18G with a capability to detect an intrusion and prevent avionics terminals on the data from being corrupted by malicious software and identify when the software is not operating normally. The capability determines intrusion via traffic analysis. Air crew are alerted to malicious behavior with forensic data for maintenance for post flight repair. The capability quarantines the intrusion for safe failure across data networks and aircraft. This capability provides positive reliable means to ensure mission aircraft systems integrity during a cyber-attack and thus prevents cyber events from reducing aircraft availability. Next Generation Naval Mission Planning System (NGNMPS) updates legacy Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) into an integrated capability providing advanced multiple/dissimilar aircraft planning capabilities focused on emerging, high-threat mission areas (including complex, integrated kinetic/non-kinetic effects). USMC upgrades to the platform are being developed; to include integration and capability expansion of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar for F/A-18 C/D, evaluation and development of an Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (AUTOGCAS) for all F/A-18 variants, development of increased sensor and Electronic Warfare (EW) capability for F/A-18 C/D, weapons carriage and employment capability expansion, and enhancement of Mission Computer (MC) processing and memory capability. JUSTIFICATION FOR BUDGET ACTIVITY: This program is funded under OPERATIONAL SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT because it includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

Mission — Congressional Adds source

Advanced Digital Video Map Computer: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) funding to support the Advanced Digital Video Map Computer (DVMC)/Advanced Crew Station (ACS) Improved Tactical Displays which will enable Panoramic "Big Picture" view of the Battle Space for improved weapons employment and engagement. Including the development of an AUTOGCAS for the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G as a logical extension of the DVMC-Upgrade leveraging completed work from F/A-18A-D using modifications to the TAWS resident in the existing Super Hornet/Growler DVMC in fatal mishap prevention. Noise Reduction Technology: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) funding to support the redesign of Chevron seals to reduce engine exhaust plume noise. Numerous solutions have been evaluated. Chevron seals were determined to be the favorable solution for the F/A-18 and EA-18G. Previous testing of F414 chevrons demonstrated satisfactory noise reduction up to 80% power but did not satisfy noise reduction requirements at full power. A possible cause of this problem has been identified. There are re-design options available to sustain noise reduction up to full power. Additional development and test will be required to finalize the Chevron design to achieve the desired noise reduction at all power levels. The subject funding will support the final design qualification efforts and ECP development of the downselected design. Other design options that will be explored are Contoured Inserts (COINs) that have had previous design work funded through ONR. Engine sets may be procured for follow on ground testing and evaluation.

Mission — Physiological Episodes source

Funding provides for design, development, integration, and test of platform improvements for F/A-18A-F and EA-18G Weapon Systems, as determined through a Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) process, to mitigate and reduce the occurrences of Physiological Episode (PE) in Naval Aviation.

Mission — F/A-18 Radar Upgrade source

F/A-18 Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR) Upgrade: The F/A-18 RADAR Upgrade, Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) development program, which began in FY 1999, is the last of three pre-planned upgrades to the F/A-18 EF/EA-18G RADAR. The AESA system corrects operational test deficiencies noted in the AN/APG-73. It provides multi-target tracking, Synthetic Aperture RADAR (SAR) imagery, SAR Target Location Error (TLE), and improved spotlight map resolution. In addition, it provides greater lethality than previous F/A-18 RADARs by allowing full tactical support of existing and planned air-to-air (A/A) and air-to-ground (A/G) weapons and it significantly increases detection and tracking ranges. The AESA system provides greater survivability through self-protection and standoff jamming capabilities, while its greater range allows for reduced detection by enemy RADAR. The AN/APG-73 will be upgraded to AN/APG-79. This combat-proven AESA radar system substantially increases the power of the F/A-18E/F EA-18G from the front-end array to the back-end processor and operational software. This budget continues spiral capability development of AESA with increased efforts to address Phase II Operational Requirements Document requirements such as Counter-Electronic Attack (CEA) against multiple Radio Frequency Emitters, AESA Multi-Jammer Electronic Protection, Precision TLE Improvement, Monopulse and 5th/6th Channel development, and Air Combat Maneuvering/Short Range Search and Track development. This budget supports AN/APG-79 integration in Wideband Receiver and Advanced EW suite as a contributing wideband sensor. It also includes upgrades to RADAR Instrumentation, test and evaluation assets, threat assets, and upgraded modeling and simulation of both clean and Electronic Attack threat environments. This budget includes the overarching Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) software improvements, which includes Aided Target Recognition (AiTR), and Strike Accelerator/Kill Chain capabilities. This budget request supports development and testing of multiple module design modifications to address obsolescence issues with APG-65, APG-73 and APG-79 RADAR systems. USMC upgrades to the platform are being developed to include capability expansion of AESA Radar for F/A-18 C/D.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (15)