Boeing receives contract for F-18 upgrades

May 8 (UPI) -- Boeing has been awarded an $89.2 million contract for maintenance on the F/18 series of naval aviation fighter planes and EA-F18G electronic warfare aircraft.

The contract includes a wide variety of inspection and engineering projects, including High Flight Hour programs designed to keep aging airframes flying.

Work will be conducted in Jacksonville, Fla., and the funds will be obligated based on individual orders during the duration of the program. The work is expected to be completed by December 2017.

The F-18 fighter is the primary naval aviation fighter plane used by the Navy and Marine Corps. It can serve in both a naval superiority and ground attack roles. It can launch from both aircraft carriers and land-based airfields, and can carry a wide variety of ordinance. The F-35 is expected to supplement them within a few years.

The EA-F-18G is an electronic warfare platform. It is designed primarily for jamming enemy radars, electronic systems, and weapons systems. It is also capable of launching anti-radar missiles designed to take out enemy air-defense systems.