US Navy (Navy) refused plans to equip the F / A-18E / F Super Hornet aircraft with conformal fuel tanks. Boeing does not plan to supply military upgraded F / A-18E / F Block III aircraft with conformal fuel tanks (CFT), reports The Drive.
Conformal fuel tanks are called additional tanks that fit the aircraft tightly to the profile. Due to this, CFT is less influenced by aerodynamic characteristics and radar viscosity of the aircraft than suspended fuel tanks.
According to the statement of the US Navy Aviation Systems (Navair), which leads the DRIVE, the Office instructed Boeing to stop working on CFT in January 2021. This decision has determined the high cost, deadlines and unsatisfactory results of work on conformal fuel tanks.
In turn, Boeing representatives confirmed that F / A-18E / F Block III can get CFT in the future, but initially aircraft will be produced without conformal tanks. The exact reason for the refusal of CFT is unknown. Previously, the Aviation Week portal reported that the tests of upgraded aircraft were faced with problems.
F / A-18E / F Block III aircraft modernization program assumed five key improvements, one of which was the installation of CFT. In addition, the plane will receive new coatings to reduce radar viscosity, updated electronics and data channel, as well as a new display in the pilot cabin.