Aviation

Boeing, U.S. Navy Demonstrate Manned-Unmanned Teaming with Super Hornet Flight Tests

Boeing Block III F/A-18 Super Hornet successfully demonstrated command and control of three unmanned aerial vehicles for the first time.

– A Block III F/A-18 Super Hornet test jet controls three unmanned aerial vehicles

– The software development, connectivity to the fighter and flight tests were completed in less than six months. Manned-unmanned teaming is a key capability for the U.S. Navy

ST. LOUIS, 15 JULY 2022 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the United States Navy have completed a series of MUM-T flight tests in which a Block III F/A-18 Super Hornet successfully demonstrated command and control of three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

To collaborate with the UAVs, Boeing system engineers linked Block III’s auxiliary processor, known as the Distributed Targeting Processor – Networked (DTP-N), with a third-party tablet. Boeing created new software loads for the DTP-N that are specifically designed for running the third-party tablet and transmitting commands. In less than six months, the software development, tablet connection to the fighter, and all flying testing were completed.

“Block III Super Hornet is delivering on its promise of hardware that is ready to receive future software,” said Ben LeGrand, Boeing head of Mission Systems. “With modest modifications, Block III Super Hornet will integrate third-party systems and software.”

On the demonstration, Boeing collaborated with the F/A-18 & EA-18G Program Office (PMA-265), Air Test and Evaluation Squadrons (VX) 23 and 31, the Naval Air Warfare Center-Weapons Division at China Lake, Calif., and a third-party vendor. During the test flights, F/A-18 pilots entered commands into the tablet, which were then processed and relayed by the Block III hardware. During two weeks of testing, the UAVs carried out all directions supplied by F/A-18 pilots.

“This successful MUM-T demonstration is an important step toward the Navy’s concept of Distributed Maritime Operations.” It demonstrates the capability of unmanned ideas to broaden and extend the Navy’s reach,” said Scott Dickson, Boeing’s director of Multi-Domain Integration. “As part of a Joint All-Domain Command and Control network, teams of UAVs executing ISR missions commanded by the latest Super Hornets equipped with network-enabled data fusion and enhanced capabilities would provide significant information advantage to warfighters across the Joint Force.”

The F/A-18 is an industry leader in the development and installation of the hardware and computing power required for future digital capabilities and expansion, boasting the largest digital touch screen in any fighter cockpit. The demonstration’s auxiliary processor adds significant computing power to the F/mission A-18’s processing suite.

“Future fighter pilots will be the quarterbacks of the sky, directing directives and controlling unmanned aerial vehicles from the integrated Block III touch-screen cockpit,” said Mark Sears, Boeing vice president and programme manager for the F/A-18 and EA-18G programmes. “The Block III Super Hornet is a bridge to the future and a risk reduction for the Navy, which is already delivering on teaming, networking, and interoperability.”

Aviation

Aeroflot Buys Used Planes for Spare Parts Amid Sanctions

In the face of ongoing Western sanctions that have severely impacted Russia’s aviation industry, Aeroflot, the country’s largest airline, has devised a strategic plan to bolster its fleet’s spare parts inventory.

The airline is set to acquire five Boeing 737-800BCF freighters from Atran Airlines, a move that will allow it to dismantle the aircraft for critical components. The planes, which will be transferred to Aeroflot’s low-cost subsidiary Pobeda, will not be converted into passenger jets but instead will be stripped for valuable parts to support existing operations.

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Aeroflot’s plan to purchase these Boeing 737-800BCF freighters comes as part of a broader strategy to mitigate the effects of Western sanctions, which have crippled the Russian aviation sector. With the sanctions restricting access to essential aircraft parts and spare components, Aeroflot is exploring alternative ways to maintain and repair its fleet.

Instead of converting the freighters from cargo to passenger planes, a process deemed “unreasonably expensive” under current sanctions, the airline intends to focus on extracting high-value components such as engines, landing gear, avionics, and other essential systems.

The deal will be structured in a way that allows Aeroflot to indirectly purchase the freighters through an insurance settlement with the aircraft’s lessor, AerCap.

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The Russian government’s insurance company will reimburse the aircraft’s value, and the planes will then be leased back to local operators. This method circumvents some of the restrictions imposed by international sanctions while ensuring that the airline gains access to the necessary components to support its fleet.

By dismantling the aircraft for spare parts, Aeroflot aims to secure critical resources for the ongoing maintenance of its existing fleet. Components from the Boeing 737-800BCF freighters, such as engines and avionics, are expected to be reused in other aircraft within Aeroflot’s network, ensuring that the airline can keep its operations running smoothly