Boeing has announced a partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Mahindra Defence Systems (MDS) for manufacturing the F/A-18 Super Hornet in India for its armed forces and also pursue joint development of future technologies.
The company said that the Super Hornet proposal is to build an entirely new and state-of-the-art production facility that can be utilized for other programs like India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. The plan includes personnel training as well.
The F/A-18 Super Hornet is claimed to be the most advanced and least expensive aircraft per flight hour to operate than any other tactical aircraft in U.S. forces inventory. The F/A-18 Super Hornet’s latest evolution is the Block III. Key features of this variant include enhanced network capability, longer range and low-drag with conformal fuel tanks, long-range detection with Infrared Search & Track, enhanced situational awareness with a new Advanced Cockpit System, improved signature reduction and a 9,000+ hour life.
#Boeing's F/A-18 #MakeinIndia will advance the Indian #aerospace ecosystem, advance indigenous technology and build a path to AMCA. KNOW MORE: https://t.co/nVDJ2lq2AB#DefExpo2018 pic.twitter.com/y4gFa2etDa
— Boeing India (@Boeing_In) April 12, 2018
Boeing said that the company has been working with suppliers in India for over two decades in manufacturing, IT and engineering services and Indian companies are integrated in our global supply chain. Today, more than 160 suppliers provide parts and assemblies covering commodities such as aerostructures, wire harness, composites, forgings, avionics mission systems, and ground support equipment.
As for the Super Hornet, Boeing said that they’ve spoken to over 400 Indian companies as part of their partner evaluation process for various systems and subsystems of the multirole fighter.
"With the F/A-18 #SuperHornet program, #Boeing wants to build a deeper, capable #aerospace supply chain, building on the 160+ suppliers we already have," – Dan Gillian, vice president, F/A-18 program, Boeing. #MakeInIndia pic.twitter.com/m2WSoHo0gY
— Boeing India (@Boeing_In) April 12, 2018
Besides United States Navy, the Royal Australian Air Force operates 24 Super Hornets and 12 Growlers.
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