Projects

Project Air 5376 Ph 2 – F/A-18 Hornet Upgrade

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

Equipment Source Timings Logistics Support Contact

Phase 2 - Scope

Phase 2 was initially approved in the May 1998 Defence Budget and in its current form will incorporate the following:

• Phase 2.1
  Radar upgrade

• Phase 2.2
  Link 16 secure data link
  Multi-function Information Distribution System (MIDS)
  Cockpit full colour displays (MDGU)
  Counter Measures Dispenser System (CMDS)
  Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS)
  Tactical Air Moving Map Capability (TAMMAC)
  19C Operational Flight Program

• Phase 2.3
  Electronic Warfare suite upgrade (Radar Warning Receiver, Radio Frequency Jammer)

• Phase 2.4
  Target Designation System (HTDS)

The following support systems will also be either upgraded or replaced:

• Operational Flight Trainer (OFT) to be replaced by the Hornet Aircrew Training System (HACTS)

• Integrated Avionics Software Support Facility (IASSF)

• Mission Planning System (MPS)

• Miscellaneous Support Equipment (SE)

• Computer Based Training System (CBTS)

• Simulated Aircraft Maintenance Training System (SAMTS) to be replaced by the Integrated Maintenance Training System (IMTS)

Equipment Source Selection

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Phase 2.2

The Multi-purpose (colour) Display Group Upgrade (MDGU) was procured under a commercial contract with Boeing St Louis U.S.A. The remaining equipment was sourced through Foreign Military Sales system from the United States Navy.

Phase 2.3

Various (BAE Systems, SAAB, Elta)

Phase 2.4

Commercial contract with Northrop Grumman for the Litening AT targeting pod.

Timings

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Phase 2.1 is complete. Phase 2.2 will be installed in the 2006/2007 timeframe. Phase 2.3 is T.B.A. Phase 2.4 will receive new targeting pods during 2007/2008.

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: March 2008