Boeing would double F/A-18E/F Super Hornet production next year if Senate appropriators are successful.
The US Navy asked for $1 billion to buy 9 F/A-18E/Fs in Fiscal 2010. But Senate appropriators added another $1 billion to buy a total of 18, according to a press release (which I overlooked yesterday) by Sen Kit Bond, who represents the Super Hornet's manufacturing base in Missouri.
Boeing would also build another 22 EA-18G Growlers that were already funded in the defense appropriations bill.
on September 12, 2009 11:02 PM | Reply
This sounds more like one of those times the Navy is playing games with its requests. It makes no sense to buy 9 super hornets under the current program plan. So the navy offers a cut to the more typical 18-20 aircraft buy knowing that Congress is going to vote it money for more the full plan for Super Hornets in appropriations.
on September 14, 2009 3:39 PM | Reply
House Appropriators also requested nine additional Super Hornets, as did either the HASC or the SASC (forgot which). Not many in Congress appear to be pleased with the nine Super Hornets request.