F/A-18 SLEP

[utahbob]

I was reading this: http://defensetech.org/2010/04/14/managing-the-navys-strike-fighter-gap/#more-6574
"Managing the Navy’s Strike Fighter Gap" and it mentioned:

At the hearing, Vice Adm. David Architzel, the Navy’s point man on research and procurement, said additional F/A-18A-D SLEP options are under review as well as opportunities to minimize depot turn around times.

I was wondering what a version of this hornet would look like? Just more up dates to the avionics? With the pace of operations would a SLEP for the E/F should be considered?

TIA!

 

[GTX]

Probably avionics/systems improvements to ensure continued capability and serviceability/maintainability is maintained. Maybe something like the RCAF/RAAF centre-barrel replacement if fatigue life is an issue? Can't imagine it would look any different though.

Regards,

Greg

 

[Mark Nankivil]

Probably talking about programs to zero time the existing airframes vs. having none at all. Reminds me in some ways of the Navy's F-8 rebuilds of the late '60s due the cost of the Vietnam war limiting new airframes being procured. Somewhat similar too was the F-4B into F-4N and F-4J into F-4S of the '70s.

Enjoy the Day! Mark

 

[Grey Havoc]

You would wonder if the D models might need a SLEP a lot sooner:

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?211105-Breaking-News-F-18-Crashes-and-Explodes-Next-to-Elementary-School-in-Virginia-Beach

 

[Mark Nankivil]

Greetings All -

We received from a retiring McBoeing engineer an interesting bundle of documents at the Museum this past weekend. In the material was a set of drawings for Hornet variants, tongue firmly in cheek

Enjoy the Day! Mark

 

[Mark Nankivil]

...and a few more...

So if your shelf has a surplus of F/A-18 Hornet models, you have something you can do with them!

Enjoy the Day! Mark

 

[Abraham Gubler]

Priceless. Love the "Howler".

 

[Jeb]

The blimp still has the centerline tank...that's the best.

 

[perttime]

It looks as if the F-18XS Hornette wouldn't be out of place?

 

[dannydale]

This thread is top kek, and that F18XS is tighter than my shirt! ;D

 

[Deleted]

That SH-18 and F/A-18 Blimp lol. Wonder who thought up those ideas.

 

[XP67_Moonbat]

Is this like that gag chart showing the different F-111 'variants'?

 

[dannydale]

Is this like that gag chart showing the different F-111 'variants'?

 

[taalismn]

Is this like that gag chart showing the different F-111 'variants'?

Okay, I'm intrigued. If there's a specific chart along these lines, where might I find it?