F288, the first Block III F/A-18 Super Hornet, closes its landing gear after performing a touch-and-go near Boeing’s St. Louis flight ramp. – Boeing / Mike Irvine
The most advanced Super Hornet in history has completed its first flight, Boeing News Now said Sept. 10.
Boeing test pilots Ty “Grouch” Frautschi and Sam “Splat” Platt last week lifted off from Boeing’s St. Louis flight ramp and checkout center in the first combat-capable Block III F/A-18 Super Hornet.
“It was a good day. The jet flew great,” Frautschi said. “It is a real pleasure to fly and I know the Navy is looking forward to getting all this capability that Block III is going to bring to the fleet.” Read full story at Seapower
The Block III Super Hornet was originally slated to incorporate conformal fuel tanks which would increase range and improve the jet’s Radar Cross Section (RCS). In an August 25, 2021 report by The Drive/The Warzone, Boeing has decided to put the CFTs on hold and not incorporate them in initial deliveries.Image: BoeingThe Block III Super Hornet will incorporate the Advanced Cockpit System, a 10×19 inch display with one solid piece of glass rather than two in the front cockpit. The display will be the largest display on any fighter other than the F-15. – Boeing
