Boeing delivered the last (79th) upgraded CF-18 Hornet aircraft to the Canadian Department of National Defence, bringing the nine-year, two-phased CF-18 Modernization Project to a close. The program was conducted by an industry team including Boeing and L-3 Communications MAS. Phase 1 was valued at US$436 million and Phase 2 at $150 million.
“Nearly 30 years after the delivery of the first CF-18 Hornet, Canada’s defense forces are better equipped than ever” Jim O’Neill, vice president and general manager, Boeing Integrated Logistics, “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.”
Phase 1 of the project was completed in 2006, and included the improvement of the Hornet’s avionics, radar, radio and weapons capabilities. Phase 2 included improvements in the cockpit, including new color displays and the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), a new data link system interoperable with other coalition air forces, the Boeing to improve weapons targeting and upgraded, chaff-and-flare dispensing electronic warfare system to improve survivability.
