Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Navy delivered a proposal Aug. 15 offering the advanced F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to the Royal Danish Air Force as part of Denmark’s New Combat Aircraft competition. Denmark is already evaluating a proposal from the Swedish Saab Group, offering the Gripen multi-role fighter. Denmark has an initial requirement for 48 aircraft to replace its F-16s.
The Block II Super Hornet is the first operationally deployed strike fighter incorporating next-generation capabilities, including the Raytheon-built APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. U.S. Navy Capt. James Kennedy, F/A-18 International Business deputy program manager considers the Super Hornet to stand well in the competition, given its small logistics footprint and high mission-readiness rates.
“With the AESA radar now fully onboard, the two-seat F/A-18F is providing unmatched aircrew situational awareness and taking air combat capabilities to new levels, as we can now seamlessly execute same-time air and ground missions. This is truly an aircraft that delivers tomorrow’s capabilities today.” said Kennedy. Boeing is also emphasizing the business aspect of its proposal. “The winner must present a good balance of capability, cost and risk, and be able to provide Danish industry with a viable and competitive long-term partnership,” said Dan Korte, vice president and general manager for Global Strike Systems, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. “We believe the Super Hornet is the best-value option and offers a winning solution for Denmark’s fighter requirements.”
Boeing has delivered more than 360 Super Hornets to the U.S. Navy, all on or ahead of the original production delivery schedule. Australia has ordered 24 Super Hornets to bolster its fleet of F/A-18 Hornets, and Boeing is in discussions with several other international customers about their interest in procuring the Super Hornet. Earlier this month Boeing submitted a comprehensive industrial-participation proposal to the government of India in support of the company’s offer of 126 Super Hornets to the Indian Air Force for India’s Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft program. Few days earlier the company submitted a proposal to the Brazilian Air Force, offering 36 Super Hornets for Brazil’s F-X2 fighter competition.
