Boeing and US Navy demonstrate F/A-18 aircraft launch from ski jump ramp

Boeing and the US Navy have successfully demonstrated the ability of the F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter aircraft to launch from a ski-jump ramp.

The ski-jump test was carried out at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland, US.

It was conducted to show the naval jet’s compatibility to operate with the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers’ short take-off but arrested recovery (STOBAR) system.

According to Boeing, the demonstrations also prove simulation studies performed by the company.

Boeing India Fighter Sales lead Ankur Kanaglekar said: “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.

“The F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet will not only provide superior warfighting capability to the Indian Navy but also create opportunities for cooperation in naval aviation between the United States and India.”

The company had offered its F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet Block III for the Indian Navy, which is currently evaluating fighter aircraft options.

The multi-role, frontline fighter of the US Navy is designed to meet aircraft carrier air wing mission requirements for decades and beyond.

In June, Boeing delivered two F/A-18 Block III flight-test aircraft to the US Navy.

Boeing Defense, Space & Security International Sales vice-president Thom Breckenridge said: “This milestone further positions the Block III Super Hornet as a versatile next-generation frontline fighter for decades to come.

“With its proven capabilities, affordable acquisition price, known low documented lifecycle 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.”

In August, Boeing introduced its 20th F/A-18 Super Hornet into the Service Life Modification (SLM) to meet the US Navy’s mission-capable aircraft readiness requirements.