LIMA 2013: Aircraft Arrival for LIMA 2013

Today (21/03/2013) 2 F/A-18F Super Hornet from United State Navy (USN) landing at Langkawi International Airport at 17.00pm for LIMA 2013. Super Hornet was back-up by KDC-10 Omega Tanker for mid-air re-fueling to Langkawi.

Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet parked at Langkawi International Airport

McDonnell Douglas KDC-10 Omega Tanker

At 18.00pm this evening, 2 Dassault Rafale from French Air Force was landing at Langkawi International Airport. Rafale was supported by Boeing KC-135 CFR Stratotanker for mid-air re-fueling. Rafale will be exhibit in aerial & static display during LIMA 2013.

Dassault Rafale parked at Langkawi Airport after landing

KC-135CFR Stratotanker of French Air Force at Langkawi Airport

 Updated: Aircraft Arrival on March 22 2013.

1 F-16D Falcon Block 52 from Republic of Singapore with Hercules C-130H landing at Langkawi Airport at 11.00am. 5 Krisakti aerobatic team aircraft also arrived this morning.

3 SU-30MKM from Gong Badak Air Base touch down on Langkawi Airport at 12.00pm. 

In the evening, 5 MiG-29N Fulcrum from Kuantan Air Base, RMAF EC 725 Cougar, 5 SU-27P/UB from Russian Knights aerobatic team with Ilyushin IL-76 also landing at Langkawi Airport.

 Photos

Kris Sakti

 

SU-27 Flanker - Russian Knights

EC-725 Cougar (RMAF)

Aircraft Arrival on March 23rd

Russian Knights (Russkiye Vityaze) Aerobatic Team

Russian Knights aerobatic team is an aerobatic team of the Russian Air Force. Russian Knights better known as 'Russkiye Vityaze' in Russian. Russian Knights aerobatic team was formed in mid-1991. Initially the first aerobatic team was formed in 1989 when the 1st Air Squadron Aircraft Demonstration Centre received their Sukhoi SU-27 Flanker fighter jets. Experienced Russian Air Force top pilots quickly adapted a new technique of the new SU-27 Flanker.They started training in the pairs, triples and four aircrafts in formed of 'Diamond'.

The first team pilots was Anatoly Arestov (leader), Aleksander Dyatlov (left wingman), Ivan Kirsanov (right wingman) & Vladimir Bukin (tail). The pilots successfully overcome the difficulties to perform group maneuvering of SU-27 Flanker jets.

In 1991 Russian Knights aerobatic team finally formed with 6 SU-27 Flanker long range fighter jets. An aerobatic members of Russian Knights at that time was Vladimir Basov (team leader), Aleksandr Dyatlov (left wingman), Sergei Ganichev (right wingman), Vladimir Bukin (tail), Vladimir Bazhenov (outer left) & Alexander Lichkun (outer right). The team finally named as Russian Knights which was based on Russian folk tales, war spirit & unique image formed.

Russian Knights first abroad airshow was in Poznan, Poland in August 1991. A single Russian Knights SU-27 Flanker piloted by Vladimir Bazhenov exhibited in aerial display. Later, Russian Knights visited UK. 6 SU-27 Flanker was fly to United Kingdom where 4 of the Russian Knights SU-27 Flanker performed aerial display.

After UK visit, Russian Knights visited Praque, Czechoslovakia with 1 unit of SU-27 Flanker was exhibited in aerial display piloted by Vladimir Gryzlov & Igor Tkachenko.
On December 1991, 1 SU-27UB Flanker invited to LIMA 91 airshow in Langkawi, Malaysia. The SU-27 of Russian Knights impressed visitors at LIMA airshow.

In June 1992, 2 Russian Knights SU-27 visited Portland, United States of America for an airshow followed with Alaska. Russian Knight was invited for 50th Anniversary of 'Normandy-Neman' in French in Spetember 1992. During that anniversary, Russian Knights aerobatic team performed with French famous aerobatic team, Patrouille de France.

In April 1993, Russian Knights was invited to Leeuwarden Air Show, Holland. Russian Knights also participated in Abbottford Air Show in Canada in August 1993. Russian Knights make it's apppearance for inaugural MAKS International Air Show at Moscow in September 1993.

Russian Knights make a comeback at LIMA 1993 Air Show in Langkawi, Malaysia. 2 of Russian Knights SU-27 Flankers fly from Kubinka Air Base through Tashkent, New Delhi, Calcutta, Yangon & Vietnam before reaching Langkawi. 2 Russian Knights SU-27 Flanker piloted by Vladimir Bazhenov, Alexander Lichkun, Vladimir Gryolov & Boris Grigoriev was exhibited in aerial displays performanced.

5 SU-27 Flanker of Russian Knights exhibited for the third time during LIMA 1995. 4 SU-27 Flanker exhibited in aerial display during LIMA 1995. On the way back from Langkawi to their air base, 3 SU-27 Russian Knights crashed onto mountain at Cam Ranh Air Base, Vietnam. That incident killed four pilots of Russian Knights.

After 1995 incident, Russian Knights team flew again in 1996. They participated at SAID 97 airshow in Bratislava, Slovakia.

In 2002 Russian Knights Aerobatic Team & Strizhi (Swift) Aerobatic Team flew in jointly formation for the first time. Until now Russian Knights & Swifts / Strizhi still fly in joint formation of both team at airshow especially in Russia.

In 2009, during aerial display training for MAKS 2009 Airshow, 1 SU-27 of Russian Knights crashed and killing it's team leader, Igor Tkachenko.

LIMA 2013: Expected Aircraft to be Exhibit at LIMA 2013

Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2013 is the 12th edition of LIMA exhibition series. For LIMA 2013 edition, many aircraft expected to be exhibit from March 26 - March 30. Below is the list of aircrafts expected to be exhibit during LIMA 2013:

1. Sukhoi SU-30MKM

3 units of Sukhoi SU-30MKM (Royal Malaysian Air Force) from Gong Kedak air base will be exhibit for LIMA 2013. 2 SU-30MKM will be on aerial display & the other 2 for static display. SU-30MKM was the main attraction during previous LIMA series (LIMA 07, LIMA 09 & LIMA 11) & the same attention is expected for LIMA 2013.
Notes: 3 SU-30MKM already landing at Langkawi Airport on March 22 2013.


2. MiG-29N 'Smokey Bandits'

7 MiG-29N Smokey Bandits from Royal Malaysian Air Force, Kuantan Air Base will be exhibit during LIMA 2013. 5 MiG-29N will participate in daily aerial display. It's one of the main attraction during LIMA exhibition since it's inception at LIMA 95.
Notes: 5 MiG-29N landing at Langkawi Airport on March 22 2013.


3. Extra-300L Kris Sakti (Aerotree)

5 Extra-300L aircraft from Kris Sakti aerobatic team will involve in daily aerobatic display during LIMA 2013.
Notes: Arrive on March 22.

4. Dassault Rafale (French Air Force)

2 Dassault Rafale Omnirole Combat Aircraft from Dassault firm will be exhibit during LIMA 2013. 1 unit of Dassault Rafale will be participate in aerial display. Rafale is one of the best proven multirole combat aircraft in operation in the world. Rafale also a contender for Malaysia new Multirole Combat Aircraft. Rafale was exhibited for the first time during LIMA 2011.
Notes: 2 Rafale landing on Langkawi Airport on March 21.


5. Eurofighter Typhoon (RAF)
 

At least 2 Eurofighter Typhoon from Royal Air Force expected to participate at LIMA 2013. 1 of the Typhoon will involve in daily aerial display. For LIMA 2013 aerial display, Typhoon will be manned by Flight Lt. Jamie Norris from RAF. Eurofighter Typhoon can be category as one of the best air superiority fighter aircraft with land / surface attack capability. Eurofighter Typhoon is one of the contender for new MRCA for RMAF (Royal Malaysia Air Force).


6. F/A-18F Super Hornet (US Navy)

2 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter / attack from US Navy expected to be exhibit during LIMA 2013. 1 aircraft will involve in aerial display. Super Hornet already exhibited in LIMA exhibition previously (LIMA 2001, LIMA 2003 & LIMA 2011). Super Hornet normally piloted by famous Boeing test pilot, Ricardo Travern. Super Hornet is one of the main contender for Malaysia new MRCA.
Notes: 2 Super Hornet landing on March 21.

7. Saab JAS-39C/D Gripen (Royal Thai Air Force)

2 Saab JAS-39C/D Gripen light multirole fighter aircraft from Royal Thai Air Force will participate at LIMA 2013. 1 of the Gripen will participate in aerial display. Thailand acquired 12 JAS-39C/D in two phases. Gripen already participated in LIMA 2011 for static display. JAS-39E/F is one of the contender for Malaysia new MRCA.


8. Jupiter Aerobatic Team - KT-1B (TNI AU)

8 KT-1B aircraft from Jupiter Aerobatic Team from TNI AU will participate for the first time at LIMA 2013. 7 aircraft will involve in daily aerobatic display at LIMA 13. KT-1 is the basic training aircraft for TNI-AU. Indonesia purchased 12 KT-1 from KAI (Korean Aerospace Industries) in 2003 & 2005. KT-1 already exhibited during LIMA 2005 by KAI.
Notes: Landing at Langkawi Airpport on March 23.


9. C-17 Globemaster III (USAF Guam Pacific Air Base)

1 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III from USAF Pacific air base Guam will be exhibit during LIMA 2013. C-17 will perform daily aerial display at LIMA 2013. C-17 Globemaster III is a heavy-lift / strategic lift military transport aircraft from Boeing. C-17 Globemaster III make it first appearance during LIMA 2011.
Notes: C-17 landing at Langkawi airport on March 23.

10. Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 50 (USAF Guam Pacific Air Base)

2 F-16C/D Block 50 from USAF Pacific Air Base will participate at LIMA 2013. 1 of the F-16C/D will perform aerial display during LIMA 2013. Participation of this aircraft still not confirm yet.


11. Dornier 228-212 New Generation

1 Dornier 228-212 New Generation from RUAG will be exhibit in aerial display. Participation of this aircraft for LIMA 2013 still unclear.


12. Russian Knights Aerobatic Team - SU-27P & SU-27UB (Russian Air Force)

5 SU-27P & SU-27UB of Russian Knights aerobatic team will participate at LIMA 2013. All the aircraft will be perform aerobatic display during LIMA 2013. Russian Knights aerobatic team was formed for Russian Air Force top pilots. Russian Knights previously participated at LIMA 91 (1 aircraft), LIMA 93 (2 aircrafts) & LIMA 95 (5 aircrafts).
Notes: 5 SU-27 Russian Knights landing on March 22.




13. 5 Strizhi / Swifts Aerobatic Team - MiG-29 Fulcrum (Russian Air Force)

5 MiG-29 Fulcrum from Strizhi (Swift) Aerobatic Team will participate during LIMA 2013. All the aircraft will perform daily aerobatic display. Strizhi will also perform in combination with Russian Knights.


14. Sikorsky SH-60B Sea Hawk  Helicopter

1 unit of SH-60B Sea Hawk from US Navy will be exhibit in static display during LIMA 2013.


15. F-16D Block 52 (RSAF)

1 unit of F-16D Block 52 from Republic of Singapore Air Force will be exhibit in static display. F-16D Block 52 is a twin-seat variant of F-16 Block 52 & one of the latest version of F-16 except for F-16E/F Block 60.
Notes: Landing on March 21

16. AH-64D Longbow Apache Attack Helicopter (RSAF)


1 unit of AH-64D Apache attack helicopter from Republic of Singapore Air Force will be exhibit in static display. Singapore had 19 units of AH-64D Longbow Apache. RSAF Longbow Apache was exhibited during LIMA 2009. Previously at LIMA 95, 1 AH-64D from USAF was exhibited.
Landing at March 23.

17. AgustaWestland AW-149 Medium-lift Military Helicopter

 

1 unit of AW-149 medium-lift military helicopter from AgustaWestland will exhibit for static display during LIMA 2013.



18. AgustaWestland AW-189 medium-lift civil helicopter


AgustaWestland AW-189 is a derivative from AW-149 medium-lift military helicopter. AW-189 is a civil version. 1 unit of AW-189 from AgustaWestland firm will be exhibit in static display at LIMA 2013.


19. F/A-18D Hornet (RMAF)

 
A unit of F/A-18D Hornet from Royal Malaysian Air Force will participate in static display during LIMA 2013.



20. Hawk 108/208 (RMAF)



1 unit of Hawk 108/208 will be exhibit in static display during LIMA 2013. Hawk 108/208 was the export version for Malaysia. Hawk 208 from BAE System make it first appearance at LIMA 93 in static & aerial display. Since 1995 Hawk 108/208 from RMAF make it's first appearance at LIMA exhibition.


21. Aermacchi MB-339CM LIFT trainer jet (RMAF)



A unit of Aermacchi MB-339 LIFT jet trainer from Royal Malaysian Air Force will participate in static display during LIMA 2013. Aermacchi MB-339CM advance jet trainer for RMAF. RMAF operates 8 MB-339CM in 2009.

22. Eurocopter EC-725 Cougar (RMAF)


1 EC-725 Cougar from RMAF will be exhibited at LIMA 2013 in static display. Malaysia acquired 12 EC-725 Cougar from Eurocopter. EC-725 Cougar is a long range military tactical transport helicopter. During LIMA 2007, 1 EC-725 Caracal from France Air Force make it's first appearance in aerial display & static display.


23. CN-295 (PT Dirgantara)


1 CN-295 twin-tuboprop tactical military transport aircraft will make it's first appearance at LIMA 2013 in static display. CN-295 assembled by PT Dirgantara for Indonesia Air Force for tactical & logistical military transport aircraft. It's developed by EADS / CASA a joint development between EADS & CASA Spain. It's a further development of CN-235 military transport aircraft.





24. AgustaWestland AW-109S


AW-109S is the civil version of AW-109 series. Malaysian army already purchased A-109LUH. 


25. RAAF E-737 Wedgetail AEW & C


Boeing 737 Wedgetail from RAAF (Royal Australia Air Force) will be exhibit for the first time at LIMA 2013. 737 Wedgetail is an Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft base on Boeing 737 with some modification to put radar for AEW & C.


26.Bell 429 Light Twin-engine Helicopter (Bell / KAI)


Bell 429 light twin-engine helicopter from Bell / KAI (Korea) will be exhibit for the first time at LIMA 2013.


27. Bell 407 GX

Bell 407 armed version helicopter will be exhibit at LIMA 2013. It can be fitted with Universal Weapons Pylon similar with Bell OH-58 Kiowa.


28. Lockheed P-3C Orion


Lockheed P-3C Orion will be exhibit on static display. P-3C Orion is a turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft for United States Navy, Japan Navy, Australian Navy etc. P-3C Orion already exhibited in LIMA series (2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 & 2011).


29. Ilyushin IL 76 (Russian Air Force)





Ilyushin IL 76 is a four engine medium size strategic airlifter / tanker from Russia. For LIMA 2013, IL-76 will lead 5 SU-27 of Russian Knights for aerobatic performance at LIMA 2013. IL-76 is a regular aircraft for LIMA exhibition since it's inaugural in 1991.


30. Bombardier CL-415 Superscooper (Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency)





Bombardier CL-415 Superscooper from MMEA will be exhibit at LIMA 2013. CL-415 is an amphibious water bomber and maritime surveillance aircraft. Bombadier CL-415 make it's first appearance during LIMA 1995. At LIMA 2009 CL-415 from MMEA was exhibited for aerial & static display.

31. McDonnell Douglas KDC-10 Omega Tanker

KDC-10 Omega Tanker is a commercial refueling companies. For LIMA 2013 KDC-10 acted as air refueling aircraft for 2 F/A-18F Super Hornet of USN that will participate in LIMA 2013.


Possible aircraft to be exhibited at LIMA 2013

1. Sukhoi SU-34 Fullback


SU-34 Fullback is a twin-seat fighter/bomber from NAPO, Russia. Lately Russian aircraft firms widely promote it's fighter / bomber aircraft for world market. It make appearance during Zhuhai International Airshow 2012 in China.  

2. Mikoyan MiG-29M2 MRCA


MG-29M2 is an improved variant of MiG-29 Fulcrum. It was fitted with fly-by-wire system and multirole capability (air-to-air & air-to-ground / surface). MiG-29M2 was exhibited during LIMA 2001. Now Russian may try to offer Malaysia MiG-29M2 as MiG-29N replacement.

3. Sukhoi SU-35S

Single-seat Sukhoi SU-35S is an advanced variant of SU-30MKI/MKM. Russian Air Forrce currently acquire a numbers of SU-30S. Sukhoi / KnAAPO will try to market SU-35S for international markets currently.


4. EADS Tiger Attack Helicopter

Tiger HAP / HAD attack helicopter from EADS possibly be exhibit at LIMA 2013. Malaysia Armed Force expected to acquire a numbers of attack helicopter in the near term to fill the missing gap in Malaysia Armed Force.


5. Rooivalk Attack Helicopter

Rooivalk attack helicopter from Denel South Africa already operated by South Africa Army. Rooivalk already offer to Malaysia Armed Forces previously.

F-15SG (F-15E Strike Eagle Advance Variant)

F-15SG (Singapore specification) is the F-15E Strike Eagle advanced variant or world most advanced version of F-15E SE. F-15E Strike Eagles is the latest variant of F-15 production series. It's design for all weather multi-role fighter jets and air superiority fighter aircraft. It is the most capable multi-role strike fighter with unparallel range, speed & weapon loads.

 

In 2005, Singapore government signed a contract for 12 F-15SG with an option for additional of another 8 F-15SG (which exercised). During early tender competition, F-16E/F Block 60, JAS-39C/D Gripen, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, SU-30 fighter family, Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale & F-15E SE was participated.
The finalist shortlisted for the new multi-role fighter  aircraft was Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale & F-15E Strike Eagles. F-15E later chosed as the new multi-role fighter aircraft for RSAF with certain modification to suit with RSAF requirements which later known as F-15SG.
In 2007, RSAF ordered additional 4 F-15SG to make a total of 24 F-15SG.

F-15SG powered by 2 x GE F110-GE-129C afterburning turbofan engines with 29,000 lbs of thrust each engine. It's top speed is Mach 2.5 and 65,000 feets ceiling. It can carry 23,000 lbs of payload. F-15SG can bring bring medium range air-to-air missile (AIM-120C) & short range air-to-air missile (AIM-9X).
For air-to-ground / surface, it can be fitted with AIM-7 Sparrow, GPS-guided AGM-154 JDAM, JSOW, precision guided bombs, AGM-65 Maverick, SLAM-ER, Small Diameter Bombs & AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile.

F-15SG was fitted with Raytheon AN/APG-63v3 AESA radar which become the first F-15 production with AESA radar outside US. AESA radar has full capability in air-to-air and air-to-ground at longer detection range. AESA radar offers 2-3 times boost in range, true simultaneously air and surface capability, agile beam capabilities which can reduced detection range by enemy aircraft, expandability (new software modes can included high band-width communication & electronic warfare, better reliability & low maintenance cost.

For surveillance & targeting, Lockheed Martin Sniper AT (Advance Targeting) surveillance & ground targeting pod was fitted (replace LANTIRN pods system normally fitted in F-15 variants). Sniper AT also become reconnaissance platform with day / night camera which can pick out small target from far away. It also can geo-locate the targets with GPS co-ordinate & attack using GPS guided weapons. Sniper AT was fitted with FLIR for sighting, tracking & ranging of targets with enhance detection range & has laser spot tracker which allows F-15SG to deliver target with precision guided weapons for day / night.

For electronics optics (EO) suites, it consists 2 pods for precise navigation & attack where navigation pod with Terrain Following  Radar & Forward Looking Infra-red (FLIR) for low altitude navigation at night or any weather condition (possibly ATFLIR). It also can be fitted with laser range finder & laser designator  which can be integrate with laser guided weapons (AGM-65 Maverick / Paveway laser guided bomb).

In aerial flights, IRST (Infr-red Search & Tracking) can be added which allows to detect & track objects through heat emission from enemy aircraft at long distance (using passive air-to-air detection) and to launch weapons without to operate radar which decreasing probability to be detect by enemy aircraft.
Joint Helmet Mounting Cue System (JHMCS) can point head to the target & weapon to be direct at enemy aircraft (first look, first shoot) with high of boresight capabilty. It'salso can accurately direct sensor & weapons against enemy aircraft while performing high G.

TigerEyes electronic warfare suite which integrate electronic support & countermeasure system mainly consists of warning receiver, radar jammer & chaff & flare dispenser. EWS system effectively detect, identify & counter the threat. It was also reported that F-15SG was fitted with Israel electronics & self defense system.

For communication, MIDS-LVT units which includes Link-16, all the data form F-15SG can be share with other Link-16 equipped aircraft & ground radars.

F/A-18D Hornet (Boeing)

F/A-18 Hornet deployed in early 80's replacing F-4 Phantom II & A-7 Corsair II. Later it was replace A-6E Intruder in 1990's. F/A-18 Hornet involved in Operation Desert Storm performing as fighter / attack and in former Yugoslavia.

F/A-18D is a dual-seat variant of F/A-18C/D version. F/A-18C/D is the last version of F/A-18 Hornet before Super Hornet produced in early 2000. The F/A-18C Hornet is a single-seat variant.
F/A-18 has twin-engine, carrier-based supersonic and was design to suit with US Navy requirement for all-weather fighter & attack aircraft.

F/A-18D Hornet capable to perform an airstrike mission deep inside enemy territory providing itself self-defense capability & can be equipped with Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles. It also can perform close air support mission & fighter role for fleet air defense mission.
F/A-18D Hornet is an improved version of F/A-18B Hornet with improvement in updated missiles & jamming devices & night attack capability with more powerful F404-GE-402 (with 18,000 lbs thrust) engines & new radar, AN/APG-73.

F/A-18D Hornet is in services with USMC, US Navy, Australia, Canada, Finland, Kuwait, Malaysia, Spain & Switzerland.
It can be equipped with an air-to-air missiles (AIM-9 (M-X)) short-range air-to-air missiles & AIM-120C AMRAAM (medium range / BVR). For anti-armour missiles, AGM-65 Maverick can be equipped & AGM-88 HARM missile for anti-radiation. AGM-84D Harpoon used for anti-ship missile.
For land attack cruise missile, AGM-84H SLAM-ER (Surface Land Attack Missile Extended Range) stand-off weapons & AGM-84E SLAM can be fitted.
M61A1 20mm gun pre-installed inside the nose of Hornet.

F/A-18D Hornet can can carries up to 6,227 kg external ordnance / weapon using 9 under-wing hard-point stations with 2 x wingtip sidewinders, 2 x on-board wing station for air-to-air missiles & air-to-ground missiles.
2 in-board wing stations for fuel tanks / air-to-air weapons / air-to-ground weapons. 2 nacelles fuselage stations for AMRAAM / AIM-7 Sparrow / sensor pods & 1 centre-line station for fuel tanks / air-to-ground weapons.

For targeting, laser target designator / ranger (housed FLIR) can integrate with precision laser-guided bombs to deliver laser-guided bombs accurately. Early version of F/A-18D Hornet fitted with NAVFLIR (Navigation Forward Looking Infra-red) used for navigation in any weather condition, day or night.

Navigation & targeting pods like NITE Hawk, LITENING AT & AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR can be fitted / added on F/A-18 Hornet which can integrate with precision-guided munitions like Paveway laser-guided bombs.

For protection system, AN/ALE 50 Towed Decoys, AN/ALQ-165 Radio Frequency Countermeasure & AN/ALR-67 Radar Warning Receiver can be fitted / added.

Specification:

Length - 17.1m
Height - 4.7m
Wingspan - 12.3m
Propulsion - 2 x F404-GE-402 EPE engines
Ceiling - 15,250m
Top speed - Mach 1.8
Combat radius - >900km

F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet (Boeing)

F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is an advanced variant of F/A-18(A-D) Hornet. It's commonality with F/A-18 Hornet is less than 40% it's size from Super Hornet. F/A-18E/F enlarged in all dimensions & fitted with 2 extra weapons pylon.



Super Hornet powered by new more powerful GE F-414 engines instead of F-404 which powered Hornet. F/A-18E is a single-seat & F/A-18F dual-seat with reduce range due to re-sizing fuel tank to accommodate second crew.
Super Hornet is a multi-role fighter which able to compete with any 4th generation fighters. Super Hornet relies on next-generation AESA radar, JHMCS (Joint Helmet Mounting Cue System) HMD (helmet-mounted display) system, pilot-friendly controls and software to maintain F/A-18 E/F as air superiority fighters.

In 2003, F/A-18F Super Hornet Block II was build with redesigned forward fuselage & electronic enhancement. Most important upgrade are the new AN/APG-79 AESA radar which can perform simultaneously air and surface detection which offer advanced improvement on reconnaissance, jamming & communication capabilities.
Other modifications including internal IRST to detect infra-red emissions from enemy aircraft, enclosed weapon pods to lower radar signature , full spherical laser & missile warning system, new cockpit based on large touch-screen technology & improved F-414 engine (EDE/EPE) & conformal fuel tanks mounted to boost it's range.

Electronics counter-measures are upgraded by replacing the on-board jamming system AN/ALQ-65 with AN/ALQ-214 IDECM (Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasure) jamming which can integrate with towed decoy (ALE-50/ALE-55) & RFCM (radio-frequency Countermeasure). Countermeasure suites designed for use against radar guided missiles.
Advanced Crew Station (ACS) complete with Advanced Mission Computers & Display (AMC & D) that offer wide screen area & upgrade the mission computers from an assembly language  to an open architecture higher order language.
A fiber channel network switch and digital video map computer round out the ACS improvement. Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) was fitted.

For defensive suites / systems AN/ALR-67v3 Radar Warning Receivers system will alert the pilot about enemy radar targeting at their aircraft & provided accurate identification lethality & azimuth displays of both hostile & friendly emitters. It also controls the electronic warfare data bus & interfaces with EWS, on-board radar, air borne mission computer & weapon system.
DTS (Distributed Targeting System) improve on-board hardware & software processing to produce precise ground targeting solutions.

 Super Hornet also can perform tactical re-fueling role with specially equipped drop tanks that can extend re-fueling hoses. It can act as Aerial Re-fueling Store (ARS) where F/A-18 tanks can act as low capacity hose-and-drogue aerial tankers.

Super Hornet can be equipped with air-to-air missile (AIM-9 (up to X model) ASRAAM) & AIM-120C AMRAAM, air-to-ground/surface (JSOW, JDAM, SLAM-ER, AGM-65 Maverick, AGM-88 HARM (anti-radiation), precision guided bombs (Paveway II/IV).

It added size & weight has hurt the design acceleration compare to others 4th generation fighters aircraft like SU-30MKI, SU-35, MiG-35, Eurofighter Typhoon, Rafale & JAS-39 Gripen.

F/A-18F Block II base airframe & equipment with some equipment modified / added for conversion which equipped with jamming pods latter known as EA-18 Growler. It removes 20mm gun in the nose to add with underwing jamming pod, new electronics & mount special electronic warfare pods on the aircraft underwing (AN/ALQ-99) &wingtip pylons (AN/ALQ-218).
EA-18G retains 2 fuselage slots & underwing slots for weapon carriage can be used for extra fuel through wing pylon drop tanks. Weapon loads for EA-18 Growler included AGM-88 HARM/AARGM anti-radar missiles & AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile for air defense. It will replace EA-6B Prowler aircraft.