Héroux-Devtek to develop new F/A-18E/F and EA-18G equipment

Canadian aerospace products manufacturer Héroux-Devtek has been selected by Boeing to produce the main landing gear and side braces for the F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet and EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft.

The company is set to manufacture and assemble the main landing gear and side braces as part of the initiative, as well as ensure all design requirements are addressed.

Héroux-Devtek president and chief executive officer Gilles Labbé said: “We are very pleased to have been selected to build the F/A-18 main landing gear and side braces.

“It attests our growing relationship with Boeing and represents a significant win for our defence activities.

“The selection also includes potential spare parts and after-market services, which will further add to the value of the business.”

The scope of the project also involves the production and delivery of spare parts for the US Navy.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin during the third quarter of 2020.

Boeing’s F/A-18 production line is anticipated to deliver two aircraft every month over the coming years in order to comply with the US President’s Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Request.

Boeing Defense, Space and Security Supplier Management vice-president Karl Jeppesen said: “This new F/A-18 work for Héroux-Devtek reaffirms Boeing’s commitment to Canadian industry for nearly 100 years.

“This work supports our business needs as the US Navy continues to make significant investments in the Block III Super Hornet, relying on it to be the frontline fighter of its carrier air wing for decades to come.”

The US Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fleet currently comprises approximately 700 military jets.