The F/A-18 Super Hornet Block III represents the pinnacle of modern naval aviation, embodying decades of technological advancements and operational experience. The Block III is the newest upgrade to the ever-reliable F-18 Hornet.
As the latest iteration, the Block III variant is designed to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare, ensuring the U.S. Navy maintains air superiority well into the future.
F/A-18: From Block II to Block III
The F/A-18 Super Hornet was developed to replace the aging F-14 Tomcat, with the goal of providing a versatile, carrier-capable multirole fighter. The Super Hornet entered service in the late 1990s, with the F/A-18E (single-seat) and F/A-18F (two-seat) variants quickly becoming the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s carrier air wings.
The Block III upgrade is the latest in a series of enhancements aimed at extending the aircraft’s service life and improving its capabilities. This upgrade builds on the success of the Block II variant, which introduced significant improvements in avionics, radar, and weapons systems.
Priced at only $67 million per unit, the Super Hornet Block III is not only highly capable but also relatively affordable compared to other modern fighter jets.
Improving an Already Excellent Fighter
The Block III Super Hornet features a state-of-the-art cockpit with a large area display (LAD), which provides pilots with enhanced situational awareness. The LAD replaces multiple smaller displays, allowing for a more intuitive and streamlined interface. This upgrade is crucial for managing the increased flow of information in modern combat scenarios.
One of the most notable features of the Block III is its advanced networking capabilities. The Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT) allows the Super Hornet to share data with other aircraft and ground stations in real-time. This capability is essential for modern network-centric warfare, where information superiority can be a decisive factor.
The Block III variant is equipped with the AN/APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which offers superior detection and tracking capabilities compared to older radar systems. The AESA radar provides greater range, improved resolution, and better resistance to electronic countermeasures.
To address the increasing need for longer-range missions, the Block III Super Hornet includes conformal fuel tanks (CFTs) that increase the aircraft’s fuel capacity without significantly impacting its aerodynamic performance.
These tanks allow the Super Hornet to fly longer missions without the need for aerial refueling, enhancing its operational flexibility.
While not a stealth aircraft, the Block III Super Hornet incorporates design features that reduce its radar cross-section (RCS). These enhancements make the aircraft less detectable to enemy radar, improving its survivability in contested environments.
Addressing the need for longer flight missions, the jet’s service life was also upgraded. The Block III upgrade extends the Super Hornet’s service life to 10,000 flight hours, ensuring that it remains a viable platform for decades to come. This extension is achieved through structural enhancements and improved maintenance procedures.
The Navy’s Most Reliable Aircraft
The F/A-18 Super Hornet Block III is designed to perform a wide range of missions, making it one of the most versatile aircraft in the U.S. Navy’s inventory. The Super Hornet is capable of engaging enemy aircraft with a variety of air-to-air missiles, ensuring control of the skies.
Equipped with precision-guided munitions, the Super Hornet can also conduct both close air support and deep strike missions against ground targets.
On top of that, advanced sensors and targeting pods allow the Super Hornet to gather and relay critical battlefield information making it vital for ISR. The Block III can carry electronic warfare pods to disrupt enemy communications and radar systems.
The two-seat variant can be configured as an aerial refueling tanker, extending the range of other carrier-based aircraft. The Super Hornet is one of the most reliable aircraft the Navy has, allowing it to perform pretty much any mission required of it.
The F/A-18 Super Hornet Block III is Here to Stay
The F/A-18 Super Hornet Block III is not only a cornerstone of the U.S. Navy’s air power but also a significant asset for allied nations. Countries like Australia and Kuwait have integrated the Super Hornet into their air forces, benefiting from its advanced capabilities and reliability.
Looking ahead, the Block III Super Hornet is expected to complement the F-35C Lightning II in the U.S. Navy’s carrier air wings. While the F-35C brings stealth and advanced sensor fusion to the table, the Super Hornet offers a proven, cost-effective solution for a wide range of missions.
Together, these aircraft will ensure that the U.S. Navy remains a dominant force in the skies.
The F/A-18 Super Hornet Block III is the culmination of years of innovation and operational experience. With its advanced systems, extended range, and versatile mission capabilities, the Block III is poised to remain a critical component of the U.S. Navy’s air power for years to come.
As threats continue to evolve, the Super Hornet will adapt and continue to deliver unmatched performance and reliability.
About the Author: Isaac Seitz
Isaac Seitz, a 19FortyFive Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
