Americas
Boeing won a $43.8 million delivery order that provides for the manufacture, test and delivery of 48 Trailing Edge Flap retrofit redesign kits in support of the F/A-18E/F aircraft. The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is the US Navy’s primary strike and air superiority aircraft. It is an updated version of the F-18C/D, featuring a 20 percent larger airframe, 7,000 lb heavier empty weight, and 15,000 lb heavier maximum weight than the original Hornet. The Super Hornet carries 33 percent more internal fuel, increasing mission range by 41 percent and endurance by 50 percent over the earlier Hornet. On November 23, Quartz reported that the US Navy lacks the parts and materials it needs to keep hundreds of fighter jets operational. Reason for this report was an audit released last week by the Department of Defense Inspector General, which focuses on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Work will take place in Missouri, Switzerland, California and Arkansas. Estimated completion is in June 2022.
The US Navy awarded Boeing a $24.1 million delivery order, which exercises the option to procure 34 Group A-1 retrofit kits, 34 Group A-2 retrofit kits, and 34 Group B retrofit kits for incorporation of the Distributed Targeting Processor-Network into the EA-18G aircraft for the Navy. The EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft, a derivative of the F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter, is manufactured by Boeing. The aircraft is intended to provide tactical jamming capabilities and protection to Australian ground, air and sea forces against enemy electronic warfare systems. The EA-18G Growler measures 18.3m-long and 4.9m-high and features large wings with a span of 13.7m. Its empennage consists of a horizontal stabilizer and two vertical tailfins that are canted outward. The aircraft accommodates two crew members in tandem seat configuration with pilot in front and electronic warfare officer at rear. Boeing will perform work in Missouri, California and Washington. Estimated completion date is in June 2022.
Middle East & Africa
The US State Department approved a Foreign Military Sales for Morocco for AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $4.25 billion. Morocco is requesting 36 Apaches after announcing its intention to purchase the American-made helicopters in 2018. The country was considering both the AH-64 and the Turkish-made T129 ATAK helicopter. The pending deal includes 24 new Apache helicopters with an option for 12 more, as well as 79 T700-GE-701D engines and 36 AN/ASQ-170 modernized target acquisition and designation/AN/AAR-11 modernized pilot night vision sensors, plus fire control radars, radar electronic units and onboard capabilities for manned-unmanned teaming. The country plans to buy 551 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles and 60 AGM-144L Hellfire missiles, 588 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System kits, and AIM-92H Stinger missiles.
Europe
The US Army Contracting Command awarded Boeing a $128.7 modification to Foreign Military Sales for the Royal Netherlands Air Force uniqueness on 11 Apache Attack Helicopter (AH)-64E aircraft, recurring and non-recurring scope, version six integration, integrated logistics support, product assurance, longbow crew trainers and initial peculiar ground support equipment. The Boeing AH-64 Apache is an American twin-turboshaft attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear arrangement and a tandem cockpit for a crew of two. It features a nose-mounted sensor suite for target acquisition and night vision systems. Work will take place in Mesa, Arizona. Estimated completion date is June 30, 2025.
Asia-Pacific
The Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile will be integrated on Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) KF-X fighter. MBDA has been awarded a contract from Korea Aerospace Industries for the integration. The deal also includes integration support to KAI, transfer of know-how and manufacture of test equipment for the KF-X integration and trials campaign. Meteor is the world’s most advanced air-to-air missile, and has a unique ramjet propulsion system that allows it to fly further and faster than any other air-to-air missile – allowing it to defeat maneuvering targets even at extreme ranges.
The DoS approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to India of up to thirteen (13) MK 45 5 inch/62 caliber (MOD 4) naval guns and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1 billion. India’s $1.021 request includes 3,500 D349 Projectile, 5-inch MK-92 (MOD 1) ammunition, as well as other ammunition and related equipment, spare parts and technical, training and logistics support. The MK-45 naval artillery gun is intended for surface-to-surface either on land or water, and can also be fired against air targets. “The MK-45 Gun System will provide the capability to conduct anti-surface warfare and anti-air defense missions while enhancing interoperability with U.S. and other allied forces,” a release by the State Department read.
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