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3d ago

U.S. Navy Hornet and Growler Fleet Surpasses 12 Million Flight Hours

Block III Super Hornets and Block II Growlers are entering service with upgrades designed to extend airframe longevity for modern naval operations.

A formation of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 31 “Dust Devils” aircraft, including an EA-18G Growler, AV-8B Harrier II+, an F/A-18E Super Hornet, and an F/A-18D Hornet, flies over Point Mugu’s Sea Range in Californati during a photo exercise. (Image credit: U.S. Navy)
File photo of an EA-18G Growler by Jhon Parsons

Overview

  • As of August 1, the combined F/A-18 and EA-18G fleet logged over 12 million flight hours—equivalent to roughly 500,000 days or 1,370 years of nonstop flight.
  • The total includes flight time from the original F/A-18 Hornet, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler across nearly four decades of U.S. military operations.
  • Block III Super Hornets are entering operational service equipped with advanced sensors, an improved cockpit interface and features that reduce radar signature.
  • EA-18G Growler Block II upgrades are being fielded to enhance electronic warfare mission systems and provide capacity for future capability growth.
  • The Super Hornet Service Life Modification programme is extending airframe endurance from 6,000 to 10,000 flight hours to bolster readiness in evolving threat environments.