Giant American aircraft manufacturer Boeing is on course to earn a contract for supplying the Indian Navy 57 fighters jets. The contract is at least $6.6 billion.
Under the contract, the Indian Navy wants the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet fighter. Boeing has already confirmed that tests are ongoing for the launch of the Super Hornet off ‘ski-jumps’ at a US Navy base at Patuxent River in Maryland.
The test is being done in collaboration with the US Navy. According to Justin Gibson, a Boeing spokesperson, the tests will demonstrate F/A-18 Super Hornet’s short take-off but arrested recovery in compliance with the Indian Navy requirements.
Super Hornet’s unique features
Boeing will be offering the Indian Navy with the more advanced latest Super Hornet dubbed the Super Hornet Block 3. The jet has advanced features in electronics, display systems, and increased fuel capacity. Boeing had indicated in February that it would commence ski-jump tests for the Super Hornet this year.
According to Boeing, while the Super Hornet can take-off from a ski-jump, it can also load weapons. The ski-jump test by Boeing places it as the frontrunner to land the Indian Navy contract. Boeing might have attracted the attention of the Indian Navy when it indicated plans to conduct the ski-jump tests for the Super Hornet.
