Boeing Completes CF-18 Hornet Modernization Project for Canada

Boeing Information ^ | 3/25/2010 | Boeing Information

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

The Boeing Company today delivered the 79th -- and final -- upgraded CF-18 Hornet aircraft to the Canadian Department of National Defence during a ceremony in Mirabel, Quebec, hosted by industry partner L-3 Communications MAS, who performed final upgrade installations. The delivery brings the nine-year, two-phased CF-18 Modernization Project to a close.

Phase 1 of the project, completed in 2006, upgraded the Canadian Hornet fleet’s avionics, radar, radio and weapons capabilities. Phase 2 provided the following improvements:

1.a data link system to ensure Canadian forces are interoperable with aircraft from the United States and other allied nations
2.the Boeing Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System to improve weapons targeting
3.new color cockpit displays to increase situational awareness
4.an upgraded, chaff-and-flare dispensing electronic warfare system to improve survivability.

Phase 1 was valued at US$436 million and Phase 2 at $150 million. Boeing designed the upgrades and completed two prototype aircraft. L-3 Electronic Systems, with locations in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Toronto, developed and produced the upgraded crew station displays. L-3 Communications MAS installed the upgrades on the program’s remaining 77 aircraft.

"Boeing’s upgrades to Canada’s CF-18 fleet will ensure that this fighter force will remain effective and operationally credible for many years to come," said Jim O’Neill, vice president and general manager, Boeing Integrated Logistics. "Nearly 30 years after the delivery of the first CF-18 Hornet, Canada’s defense forces are better equipped than ever, with more capability and a fully modernized fleet, due to the innovative upgrades designed and installed by Boeing and our partner, L-3 Communications MAS."

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System Helmet

[lentulusgracchus]

a data link system to ensure Canadian forces are interoperable with aircraft from the United States and other allied nations .....

Guess this should work well with the Rivet Joint EC-135's the British are buying to replace their aged-out native Nimrod NR-1 aircraft (they're down to two aircraft).

Nimrod had a long career, coeval with the P-3 and most of the C-135 EW variants.

[howlinhound]

Now all Canada needs is the political will to use these aircraft for purpose they are intended.

[octex]

Agree! For several decades, Canada has depended on the US for defense and have steadily reduced their forces. I can’t imagine what Canada would want with upgraded aircraft, unless they just want to keep up with countries in South America.