Summary
- BAE Systems to upgrade FBW & FCS of F-15EX & F/A-18E/F
- The upgraded FCCs will enhance performance of the aircraft
- BAE is a key contractor for various fighter jet programs
Defense contractor BAE Systems has been awarded a contract to upgrade the fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control computers (FCC) for the F-15EX Eagle II and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets. These fighter jets are the latest (and likely the last) variants of the respective fighter jet families. The first F-15EXs are just now being delivered while the final order for the Super Hornet has been placed. The move to upgrade the onboard computers is a reminder that modern fighter jets are increasingly flying supercomputers.
BAE to upgrade FBW & FCS of Strike Eagle II and Super Hornet
On August 20, BAE Systems stated it was to provide the technology refresh for the F-15EX and F/A-18 Super Hornets and that the upgrades would increase the processing power and enhance the aircraft’s performance. BAE also stated that the flight control computers of the two aircraft feature common core electronics. These “support the quad-redundant FBW flight control systems (FCS), providing the safety, reliability, robustness, and performance needed for the missions of these advanced platforms.”
“As the original manufacturer of the FCCs for both aircraft, BAE Systems will modernize the FCC electronics hardware and software to increase processing power, enhance cyber and product security, address obsolescence issues, and support sustainment well into the future.” – BAE Systems
The computers enable the aircraft to efficiently manage aircraft flight by processing pilot inputs, monitoring real-time aircraft movement conditions, and sending commands to actuators that move the aircraft’s control surfaces. They help the pilots to focus more on the mission and less on flying the aircraft.
Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying
The upgraded FCCs will help the 4.5th generation aircraft remain competitive and relevant for the years ahead. Additionally, the F/A-18E/F flight control systems will receive an additional processor “to enable future capabilities.” The work will be carried out at the BAE engineering and manufacturing facility at Endicott in New York.
Related
How Many Fighter Jets Does The USA Produce Annually?
The United States produces around 250 fighter jets annually (and many of these are for export).
BAE a major fighter jet contractor
While the primary contractor for both the Strike Eagle II and the Super Hornet is Boeing, BAE Systems is the original manufacturer of the FCCs of both aircraft. BAE may not be manufacturing any aircraft operated by the US Air Force and Navy, but its fingerprints can be found in many of the aircraft (e.g., BAE is a key contractor in the F-35 program). The F-35 is set to be the mainstay of the Air Force, Marines, and Navy and is closely protected by the United States (the US has even banned several allies and partners from purchasing the F-35).
BAE is one of the primary contractors for the Eurofighter Typhoon and a primary contractor for the sixth generation BAE Tempest (Global Combat Aircraft Programme or GCAP). BAE Tempest is being developed in partnership with Japan’s Mitsubishi and Italy’s Leonardo and is expected to come into service in 2035.