And the F/A-18s are starting to fail from overuse just like the F-15s

[unhappycamper]

Naval Air Systems Command grounded 104 Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet fighters March 12 after inspectors discovered the jets were cracking much earlier than engineers had thought. While seven have been grounded, 82 have been returned to full flight status.


7 Hornets grounded because of cracks
By Andrew Tilghman - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Mar 24, 2010 18:00:12 EDT

Seven F/A-18 Hornets have been grounded due to cracks found in the wing fasteners, but many of the aging fighter jets inspected during the past two weeks have returned to full flight status, a Navy official said Tuesday.

Naval Air Systems Command grounded 104 Navy and Marine F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets March 12 after inspectors discovered that parts of the airframes were developing cracks much earlier than engineers had thought.

Of those 104 aircraft, 82 have been returned to the fleet after inspections revealed no cracks, said Lt. Nate Christensen. Inspections are pending for the remaining aircraft.

The seven planes with cracks will require depot-level maintenance to replace the aft wing shear attach fitting, where the back portion of the main wing attaches to the fuselage, Christensen said.

The cracks came to light during service-life extension inspections that NavAir is conducting for all the aging Hornets to determine how much longer the individual planes can remain in the fleet.


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2010/03/navy_hornet_grounding_032410w/



Gates: DoD examining F/A-18 multiyear plans
By John T. Bennett - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Mar 24, 2010 18:01:56 EDT

Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Wednesday that Pentagon officials are reviewing proposals from Boeing under which DoD would buy new F/A-18 Super Hornet fighters with multiyear contracts, plans the prime contractor says would save the military up to 10 percent.

Gates told the House Appropriations defense subcommittee that Pentagon officials have received “a number of proposals from the contractor” that call for a shift to long-term contracts. Defense officials, led by Navy representatives, are reviewing them, he said.

In a statement, Boeing said it has submitted to DoD officials “pricing information that enables cost savings of 10 percent under a multiyear contract” for Block II F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and the EA-18G Growler electronic warfare jet.

During the hearing, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Adm. Michael Mullen explained that the Pentagon pursues multiyear procurements when they are expected to save money. Typically, he said, a purchase over five years might save money, while a two-year buy likely would not.

The matter is under consideration because the Navy is seeking to buy more F/A-18s than planned in 2011.


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2010/03/defense_gates_house_032410nav/

[Bosso 63]

1. Don't use a Ferrari to do the work of a pickup.

The Navy should bring back the Trojan T-28, or it's modern equivalent.

[FarCenter]

2. They need the A-10 Warthog

But I believe the production line has been scrapped.