Boeing delivers 500th modified F/A-18

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- Boeing said Friday it has handed over its 500th upgraded F/A-18 strike fighter to the U.S. Navy.

The aircraft were "modified at the company's Cecil Field facility near Jacksonville, Fla.," Boeing said.

Boeing said that working with prime contractor Northrop Grumman it had "installed a wide range of avionic upgrades, technology improvements and structural enhancements to Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets since the modification facility opened in September 1999."

"The former naval air station functions as a 'drive-in' facility that ensures modified aircraft are immediately available for deployment as soon as the work is completed," Boeing said.

"Cecil Field is vital to the health and performance of the U.S. Hornet fleet," said Mike Rudloff, Cecil Field F/A-18 programs manager. "We've proven for almost eight years that we can successfully perform modifications and repairs and return aircraft to the customer very quickly. That's important for the war fighter in the field who depends on us to deliver improved capability. The bottom line is: we get the jets out on time."

Boeing said the oldest and most heavily used Hornets were "in the midst of an extensive inspection process aimed at lengthening aircraft lifespan from 6,000 to 10,000 flight hours. Inspectors look for cracks, corrosion and fatigue to determine if the life of the aircraft can be safely extended."

"Newer Hornets at Cecil Field receive upgraded display systems, miniaturized GPS receivers, helmet mounted cueing systems and more advanced radios. The modifications give the Hornet improved communications and information systems and allow the strike fighter to carry the latest weapons," the company said.

"In January 2008, Boeing will begin modifying F/A-18 C- and D-model aircraft for the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration team, which has used A- and B-model Hornets since 1986," it said.