F/A-18 Squadrons

F/A-18 Squadrons under the Navy's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation budget activity, aims to enhance the capabilities of the F/A-18 E/F and EA-18G aircraft to maintain their tactical relevance in support of Navy Aviation Plan 2030. The program focuses on developing advanced electronic attack and counter-electronic attack solutions, including upgrades to existing sensors and the development of future tactical data fusion. It also aims to improve the aircraft's lethality and kill chain effectiveness through incremental improvements in multi-system integration and algorithm enhancements. Additionally, the program includes efforts to modernize software, integrate new weapons, and support future integrated carrier air wing concept of operations.

The specific objectives of this program include developing a platform solution to address advanced electronic attack and counter-electronic attack threats for the F/A-18 E/F and EA-18G aircraft. This involves upgrading existing sensors such as the radar and infrared search and track systems, as well as developing future tactical data fusion capabilities. The program also aims to enhance the aircraft's lethality and kill chain effectiveness through incremental improvements in multi-system integration, multi-ship ranging, and other algorithm enhancements driven by sensor advancements. Furthermore, it seeks to modernize software, integrate new weapons, and support future integrated carrier air wing concept of operations. Additionally, the program includes efforts to develop special purpose solutions designated by Speed to Fleet by commanders, such as PACFLT Tactical Edge Network Targeting in a Contested Long-range Environment (TENTaCLE), along with other initiatives like Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) Aircraft integration for training purposes.