US aerospace major Boeing has offered to set up a new production facility in India. The production of its Super Hornet F/A-18 will be made for both the Indian Air Force as well as the Indian Navy. The company does not foresee any issues related to transfer of technology (ToT).
Dan Gillian, is the vice president of F/A-18 and E/A-18 programs at Boeing.
With the US Navy making major investments in Block III, F/A-18 Super Hornet has a long life ahead. “The Super Hornet is the most advanced fighter air plane.
The Advanced Medium Combat aircraft (AMCA) will be developed by the state owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The defence trade and technology sharing with India has been elevated to a level of its trusted allies and partners.
F/A 18 Super Hornet would be the ideal machine for the Navy’s carrier, as no modifications will be required.
The company is also offering F/A 18 Super Hornet for the Indian Air Force requirement of 114 fighter aircraft.
Boeing in India for several decades has been working to set up 21st century ecosystem for aerospace & defence manufacturing in India.
This will lead to maximize indigenous content in the production of the F/A-18 in India for its armed forces.
F/A-18 Super Hornet in India for its armed forces will also work towards jointly developing of future technologies.
Latest Technologies ::
The infrared search and track system (IRST), already in development as part of the earlier Block II upgrade. This gives the aircraft an additional means to detect hostile low-observable aircraft at long distances.
New Distributed Targeting Processor-Networked (DTP-N) and Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT) data link.
A single Block III Super Hornet will be able to passively scan with the IRST, spot targets, and present the pilot with a rough bearing overlaid on the aircraft’s radar screen.
Block III aircraft will also have an updated satellite communications system, another hold-over from the Block II programme.
The Advanced Cockpit System, will include additional displays and manual buttons .
Dual seat F/A-18Fs can have this practicality in each the front and rear cockpits.
Source : Defence News India