The US Naval NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) has received final approval to proceed with the new initiative to modify spare F/A-18 Hornet windshield panels to fit F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft.
The initiative, dubbed the F/A-18 windshield logistics engineering change proposal (LECP), is expected to save the US Navy approximately $8m in fiscal years 2015 and 2016.
In order to eliminate the need to buy new units to support the newer planes, the initiative involves converting and reusing Legacy Hornet C and D model windshield inventory into Super Hornet and Growler E/F/G windshield assemblies while saving money.
NAVSUP WSS Philadelphia Aviation Operations director Commander Matthew Ott said, "The tremendous engineers and logisticians involved in this initiative ran models projecting our declining Legacy needs against those of a growing population of Super Hornets, and they took action right away to not only improve readiness, but also to save costs."
"We’re enhancing Fleet readiness, saving money, and using the talents across our Naval Aviation Enterprise at the same time," Ott added.
The US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)’s Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRC-SW), which is currently repairing Legacy and Super Hornet windscreen assemblies, is scheduled to convert the first of the 75 windshield panels in the first quarter of fiscal year 2015.
NAVAIR Headquarters, Navy Spares Committee (SPARCOM), Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) Code N98, and Boeing will also take part in the programme.
Image: Personnel conduct post-flight checks on an EA-18G Growler at Naval Air Facility Misawa. Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Daniel Sanford/Released.
