Super Hornet Block 3 to de-emphasize on stealth, more on networking

Boeing latest effort for the Super Hornet Block 3 proposal will focus less on stealth and increase the jet’s ability to network with other carrier-borne aircraft in the U.S. Navy.

FA-18E of VFA-195 landing on USS George Washington in June 2015
By U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Mai [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The long-range infrared search track (IRST) sensor and conformal fuel tanks (CFT) are retained from the previous proposal. However, the IRST will not be internally-mounted.

To allow the jet to share high-speed data with the Growler and E-2D, Boeing is proposing to add the Distributed Targeting Processor Network (DTPN) and Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT) to the Block 3.