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

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.”