F/A-18 Squadrons

The PE 0204136N: F/A-18 Squadrons program element supports research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) activities for the U.S. Navy's and Marine Corps' F/A-18 and EA-18G aircraft. The overarching goal is to sustain and enhance the tactical relevance, survivability, and mission effectiveness of these multi-role platforms through targeted modernization and system upgrades. The program funds operational systems development for fielded aircraft, focusing on advanced electronic warfare, communications, mission planning, safety, and sensor improvements to address evolving threats and operational requirements.

1662: F/A-18 Improvement is the largest budget line within this element, supporting a broad range of capability upgrades. Key objectives include the development and integration of the Advanced Electronic Warfare suite, which replaces legacy radar warning receivers and jammers with a modern, open architecture system for enhanced detection and jamming of complex radio frequency threats. This line also funds the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System to prevent controlled flight into terrain incidents, and the Global Lightning Beyond Line of Sight communications capability for resilient, joint, multi-domain connectivity. Additional efforts include the Brizo Beacon upgrade to carrier landing systems, Digital Video Map Computer-Upgrade for improved tactical displays, multi-system integration for sensor fusion, and network cyber defense to protect avionics from cyber intrusions.

2065: F/A-18 Radar Upgrade focuses on the continued spiral development of the Active Electronically Scanned Array radar system, specifically the AN/APG-79. The objectives are to correct operational deficiencies, enhance multi-target tracking, improve synthetic aperture radar imagery, and expand electronic protection against counter-electronic attack threats. The budget supports software and hardware upgrades, integration with advanced electronic warfare suites, and efforts to address radar component obsolescence. The program also funds testing and evaluation of new capabilities, including precision targeting and anti-surface warfare software improvements.

9099: Physiological Episodes addresses the mitigation of physiological episodes experienced by aircrew, such as hypoxia or disorientation. The goal is to reduce occurrences through a Root Cause and Corrective Action process, platform improvements, and advanced data analytics. Efforts include the development of models for subsystem health anomaly detection using onboard aircraft data, integration of these models into the Hornet Health Assessment and Readiness Tool, and expansion of coverage to additional subsystems. The program supports engineering, logistics, and flight testing to validate solutions and improve overall aircrew safety.

9999: Congressional Adds includes specific congressional-directed funding for targeted research and development projects. In FY 2024, these adds supported the Advanced Digital Video Map Computer to enhance cockpit displays and situational awareness, and noise reduction technology for engine exhaust plume noise mitigation. The Digital Video Map Computer effort leverages previous work to improve panoramic battle space visualization and integrate automatic ground collision avoidance features. The noise reduction initiative focuses on redesigning Chevron seals and exploring alternative solutions to achieve effective noise reduction across all engine power levels, with additional testing and qualification planned.

Across all lines, the program's acquisition strategy emphasizes spiral development, rapid prototyping, and incremental capability insertion to meet urgent fleet needs and maintain tactical relevance. The approach leverages partnerships with industry, use of commercial off-the-shelf technologies, and agile software development practices. The program also prioritizes addressing obsolescence in critical systems such as flight control computers and stores management processors, ensuring long-term sustainability and cost savings. Test and evaluation activities are integrated throughout, with dedicated resources for developmental and operational testing at Navy research and test centers.