The US Navy's Super Hornet fleet will undergo a modernization program to gradually upgrade the aircraft to a new Block III standard.
The new standard will see improvements to the plane’s electronics, radar cross-section and range. Under Block III upgrade, the aircraft will receive a low-observable coating to reduce its radar cross signature. Super Hornets will also be equipped with an advanced cockpit system with a large-area display for an improved user interface, a more powerful computer called the distributed targeting processor network, a bigger data pipe for passing information called Tactical Targeting Network Technology. The service life of the aircraft will be extended from 6,000 to 9,000 hours. Conformal Fuel Tanks will be added to the platforms which will extend the Hornet’s range by up to 120 nautical miles.
211216-N-QI061-1222 NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (December 16, 2021) An MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), assigned to Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19), sits on the flight line at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, Dec. 16, 2021. VUP-19, the Navy’s first Triton squadron, will continue to maintain and operate the aircraft off the East Coast to further develop the concept of operations and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan T. Beard/ Released)