CHICAGO (dpa-AFX) - Aircraft giant Boeing Co. (BA) claims that its F/A-18 Super Hornet can operate from a 'ski jump' ramp, demonstrating the aircraft's suitability for India's aircraft carriers.
The company held demonstrations at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, claiming that the Super Hornet would do well with the Indian Navy's Short Takeoff but Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) system.
'The first successful and safe launch of the F/A-18 Super Hornet from a ski jump begins the validation process to operate effectively from Indian Navy aircraft carriers,' said Ankur Kanaglekar, India Fighter Sales lead for Boeing. 'The F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet will not only provide superior war fighting capability to the Indian Navy but also create opportunities for cooperation in naval aviation between the United States and India.'
The Indian Navy is evaluating its fighter options. If it selects the Super Hornet, it would benefit from billions of dollars invested in new technologies by the U.S. Navy and others.
'This milestone further positions the Block III Super Hornet as a versatile next-generation frontline fighter for decades to come,' said Thom Breckenridge, vice president of International Sales for Strike, Surveillance and Mobility with Boeing Defense, Space & Security. 'With its proven capabilities, affordable acquisition price, known low documented life-cycle costs and guaranteed delivery schedule, the Block III Super Hornet is ideally suited to meet fighter aircraft requirements of customers in India, North America and Europe.'
The ski jump demonstrations follow the delivery of two Block III flight-test aircraft to the U.S. Navy in June. Boeing is on contract to deliver next-generation Block III capabilities to the U.S. Navy beginning in 2021.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
© 2020 AFX News
