Raytheon Awarded $372 Million Contract for Super Hornet and Growler Aircraft Upgrades
On June 22, 2023, the U.S. Navy awarded Raytheon a $372 million contract to upgrade the software for its Super Hornet and Growler aircraft. The contract includes updates to the aircraft’s radar, electronic warfare systems, and communications systems.
The upgrades are designed to improve the aircraft’s capabilities in a variety of missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground combat, and electronic warfare. The upgrades will also make the aircraft more compatible with the Navy’s new weapons systems, such as the F-35C Joint Strike Fighter.
The work under the contract will be performed at Raytheon’s facilities in El Segundo, California, and is expected to be completed by February 2027.
Specifics of the upgrades
The upgrades to the Super Hornet and Growler aircraft’s radar will include the following:
- Improved performance in detecting and tracking targets
- Improved resistance to electronic countermeasures
- Improved capabilities for targeting ground targets
The upgrades to the aircraft’s electronic warfare systems will include the following:
- Improved capabilities for jamming enemy radar and communications systems
- Improved capabilities for detecting and avoiding enemy threats
The upgrades to the aircraft’s communications systems will include the following:
- Improved capabilities for communicating with other aircraft and ground stations
- Improved capabilities for sharing information in real time
Impact of the upgrades
The upgrades to the Super Hornet and Growler aircraft are expected to make them more effective in a variety of missions. The improved capabilities of the aircraft’s radar, electronic warfare systems, and communications systems will make it more difficult for enemy forces to detect and engage the aircraft.
The upgrades are also expected to make the aircraft more compatible with the Navy’s new weapons systems, such as the F-35C Joint Strike Fighter. This will allow the Navy to integrate the Super Hornet and Growler aircraft into its future combat operations.
