Projects

Project Air 5376 Ph 1 & Ph 2.1 – F/A-18 Hornet Upgrade

Project Home | Phases 1 & 2.1 | Phase 2 | Phase 3 | Ground Support | Joint Projects

Phase 1 - Scope Phase 1 - Timings Phase 2.1 - Scope Phase 2.1 - Timings Logistic Support Contact

Phase 1 - Scope

HUG Phase 1 incorporated the following equipment:

• ARC-210 Ultra High Frequency/Very High Frequency radios and associated upgrade to supporting systems
• Combined Interrogator Transponder (CIT) replacing the Identification Friend or Foe system
• Embedded Global Positioning System in the Inertial Navigation System (EGI)
• upgraded XN-8+ Mission Computers
• sixth multiplex bus (MUXBUS)
• interim Electronic Warfare software upgrade

Commensurate upgrades to the following weapon system support systems:

• Operational Flight Trainer (OFT)
• Integrated Avionics Software Support Facility (IASSF)
• Support Equipment (SE)
• Computer Based Training System (CBTS)
• Mission Planning System (MPS)

Phase 1 - Timings

• Phase 1 Hardware Acquisition Contract was signed 25 September 1998
• Phase 1 Prime Contract was signed 21 June 1999
• Aircraft modification commenced mid 2000 at RAAF Williamtown
• Phase 1 was completed with the last modified aircraft delivered on 19 June 2002

Phase 2.1 - Scope

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HUG Phase 2.1 is incorporating the following equipment:

• AN/APG-73 radar.
• Enhanced Interference Blanking Unit (EIBU).
• Upgraded aircraft software.

Phase 2.1 - Timings

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The purchase of new AN/APG-73 radars was announced on 17 August 98. The Commonwealth accepted a United States Foreign Military Sales case in October 99. The prototype modification commenced on 21 August 2001. The first production modified aircraft was completed in August 02 and the last aircraft was completed on the 27 August 03.

Integrated Logistic Support

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Installing new equipment into an existing aircraft creates challenges for the through-life support of the upgraded F/A-18 Hornet. The Project ILS section works closely with the in-service sustainment managers (TFSPO) and operators of the aircraft (Air Combat Group) to determine the optimum arrangements for supporting the aircraft's new and modified systems.

Contact

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Director
Tactical Fighter Project Management Unit
Group Captain Ian Nesbitt
Tactical Fighter Systems Program Office
RAAF Base
Williamtown NSW 2314
Telephone: (02) 4928 6901
E-mail: Ian.Nesbitt@defence.gov.au

Last reviewed: Mar 2008