Boeing, Navy test F-18 targeting system

[ErnstBlofeld]

UPI:

 

Boeing and the U.S. Navy have begun flight testing a Distributed Targeting System for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet strike fighter, the company reported this week.

 

The tests with the Navy's Air Test and Evaluation Squadron VX-31 are being conducted at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division Advanced Weapons Lab in China Lake and will be completed in November of next year.

 

The Distributed Targeting System uses onboard hardware and software processing to produce precise targeting solutions. The enhanced targeting capability is part of the Navy's F/A-18E/F Network Centric Warfare Upgrades program as well as the F/A-18E/F Flight Plan.

 

"Distributed Targeting will continue to expand the Super Hornet's already advanced multi-role capability for the warfighter," said Kory Mathews, F/A-18 and EA-18 Programs vice president for Boeing. "Distributed Targeting is a powerful tool that will provide Super Hornet aircrews with highly precise targeting capability when identifying and engaging ground target sets."

 

Successful completion of the flight tests will enable the targeting system to transition to operational testing in late 2011. The capability is expected to become operational in F/A-18E/F aircraft in 2012.