BAE Systems announced on August 20, 2024 that it has been selected by Boeing to upgrade the F-15EX Eagle II’s fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control computers (FCC) and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, improving the capabilities and safety of these important US combat aircraft. As the original equipment manufacturer of the FCCs, BAE Systems will deliver upgrades designed to extend the operational life and improve the performance of both aircraft types.
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BAE Systems will carry out upgrades to extend the operational life and improve the performance of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (Image source: BAE Systems)
The upgrades include an overhaul of the FCC’s electronic hardware and software aimed at increasing computing power and improving cyber and product security. These improvements are also intended to address hardware obsolescence and ensure continued support of the aircraft well into the future.
Corin Beck, senior director of military aircraft systems for controls and avionics solutions at BAE Systems, highlighted the importance of these upgrades. “This upgrade reflects our commitment to providing our customers with next-generation solutions,” said Beck, stressing that the company is focused on maintaining fleet readiness and adapting to future technological advances.
The enhanced flight control systems will continue to efficiently manage flight dynamics by processing pilot inputs and automating adjustments to the aircraft’s control surfaces through sophisticated actuators. This system helps pilots maintain optimal control under a variety of operating conditions and increases safety by enabling automatic reconfigurations in response to system failures or combat damage.
Over and beyond F/A-18The E/F Super Hornet FCCs will receive an additional processor to enable future capabilities, signaling a significant advancement in the fleet’s technological evolution.
The upgrade work will be carried out at BAE Systems’ state-of-the-art design and manufacturing facility in Endicott, New York, leveraging the company’s more than 40 years of experience in flight control technology for both the military and commercial sectors.
With these strategic enhancements, BAE Systems reaffirms its role as a key player in strengthening the U.S. military’s air combat capabilities and ensures that the F-15EX Eagle II and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet remain at the forefront of technological innovation and operational readiness.
