Boeing will relocate service life modification (SLM) work for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet from St. Louis, Missouri to other locations, freeing capacity for future programmes.
Boeing says it is exploring options for the activity, noting that SLM work also takes place in California, Texas, and Florida.
St. Louis is one of Boeing’s key manufacturing sites, where it produces types such as the as the F-15EX fighter, T-7A advanced jet trainer, and MQ-25 unmanned refuelling tanker, as well as munitions. In addition, the sixth-generation F-47 fighter will be produced in St. Louis.
St. Louis staff employed in SLM work will move to other Boeing programmes.
The SLM programme upgrades Block II Super Hornets to the advanced Block III standard and adds 4,000 flight hours of life to existing airframes. SLM work is expected to continue through the mid-2030s.
“Our expansion plans across the St. Louis site triggered the execution of a multi-year strategic plan, requiring the relocation of some work,” says Dan Gillian, vice-president and general manager of Air Dominance at Boeing.
“Given we are already successfully conducting SLM at other locations, this move is logical so we can continue to meet our customers’ commitments while ensuring we are well poised for future work.”
