Boeing expects to expand its production lines due to strong national and international interest in F / A-18E / F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler.
Speaking at Global Sustainment and Support, Dan Gillian, vice president of the F / A-18 and EA-18G programs, said the US Navy continues to "burn" hours of flight at a much higher rate than originally anticipated. By calculating the additional exports expected in the short term, the company expects to increase production starting from 2018 and at least until 2028.
Boeing currently produces two F-18 per month. The estimates of the American company do not foresee any increase in production until 2018, the year in which national and international orders should materialize. We are talking about a contract, for the US Navy alone, worth billions of dollars, due to the 'Super Hornet deficit' that will materialize in the 2030 / 2040. Only for the US Navy, Boeing produced 568 Hornet e 160 Growler.
In addition to updates and the extension of life for the cell, the Pentagon may authorize the purchase of at least 100 F-18. On the international front, Kuwait, through the process of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) with the US government, should shortly deliver a supply of 40 F-18.
Finland, Belgium and Spain are looking with interest at Super Hornet: Boeing has already announced that it will respond to requests for proposals from the three countries. The contract with Canada seems certain. Finally, India too would have expressed a keen interest in the F-18.
(photo: US Air Force)
