Upgrade Of F/A-18 Fuel
Tank Gains Ground
By Guy Norris
December 16, 2013
Credit: Boeing
Credit: Boeing
As the U.S. Navy
ponders future purchases of the F/A-18, it is showing growing interest in the
comprehensive structures, systems and propulsion upgrade package proposed by
industry earlier this year that would extend the combat life of the current
fleet.
One element of
Boeing's Advanced Super Hornet plan receiving close attention is large
conformal fuel tanks (CFT). In flight tests, they have shown the potential for
marginal drag reduction and other benefits over the unmodified aircraft,
despite their size and capacity. With the ability to hold 3,500 lb. of fuel,
the tanks could add 260-nm combat range to the Super Hornet and, in the case of
the EA-18G Growler electronic-attack version, would extend time on station and
bring-back weight.
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