Old but glorious news...Boeing receives order for 78 Super Hornets...

Most of you already have heard this news, but its too juicy to ignore.  Check this out via USNI News.

The Navy awarded Boeing a $4 billion multi-year contract modification to build 78 F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters, according to a Wednesday Pentagon contract announcement.

The contract modification covers the production and delivery of aircraft between Fiscal Years 2019 and 2021. Boeing estimates the multi-year contract modification will save the Navy $395 million.

“A multiyear contract helps the F/A-18 team seek out suppliers with a guaranteed three years of production, instead of negotiating year to year,” Dan Gillian, Boeing’s vice president of F/A-18 and EA-18G programs, said in a statement.

Four years ago, Boeing executives were evaluating whether to shutter the entire Super Hornet production line. The Navy’s FY 2016 budget request did not include funding to purchase Super Hornet, though the Navy’s unfunded priorities list that year did include a desire to purchase more Super Hornets to begin replacing the fleet of legacy F/A-18A-D strike fighters that were wearing out faster than anticipated.

The Navy has since renewed its dedication to buying more Super Hornets. The Navy’s current five-year purchase plan – of which the new multi-year award is part – calls for buying 110 Super Hornets, according to Boeing.

USNI News messages left with a spokesperson for Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft Programs were not immediately returned.

Congress authorized the Navy’s request to issue such multi-year contracts in the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act. The Navy has steadily retired older legacy F-18 Hornets as the newer Super Hornets came off the production line.

In February, USNI News reported the last operational Hornet squadron, the “Blue Blasters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34, held a sundown ceremony before taking a final flight over Naval Air Station Oceana. The squadron is transitioning to new F/A-18 Super Hornets.

Of the 78 Super Hornets covered by the new contract modification, 61 are F/A-18E single-seat jets and 17 are F/A-18F double-seat fighters. All are Block III aircraft, which are slightly more stealthy than Block II and, per the Navy’s request, have a greater range and can carry more weapons on a more durable airframe expected to last up to 9,000 fight hours – about a decade longer than Block II airframes.

Here 

What makes this news so juicy?

Why can't we allow it to be ignored?

Because of that little blurb that I highlighted that I need to pop out again.

Four years ago, Boeing executives were evaluating whether to shutter the entire Super Hornet production line. The Navy’s FY 2016 budget request did not include funding to purchase Super Hornet, though the Navy’s unfunded priorities list that year did include a desire to purchase more Super Hornets to begin replacing the fleet of legacy F/A-18A-D strike fighters that were wearing out faster than anticipated.

Remember four years ago?

Those were heady times for the F-35.  DoD Officials were giddy with the idea that they had turned a corner and that the F-35 would deliver as promised. It would be much more effective than the F-18 and it would not only perform better but would be CHEAPER than the legacy ride.

Shutting down the Super Hornet line made sense to Navy Officials and even to Boeing. 

The Navy is their biggest customer and if they weren't buying the plane then keeping the line open didn't make sense.

But something happened.

Officials got out of their optimistic haze and started looking at hard facts.  In this light sunshine turned to shit.  The F-35 didn't perform as expected and suddenly an upgraded Super Hornet made sense.

During this time Boeing developed the "Advanced Super Hornet".  Of course F-35 fanatics pounced like madmen.

They couldn't have this upstart threaten the throne.

Unfortunately for them the Navy is in the ship driving business and aviation has to compete with funding.  So despite their arrogance a test was formulated.  It would be a fly off between the F-35 and Super Hornet.

Follow the money and it becomes obvious who won.

The Super Hornet will be replaced but it won't be with the F-35.  When it comes to Naval Air the Super Hornet is still king.