BAE Systems, a global leader in defense, security, and aerospace technologies, has announced plans to upgrade the flight control computers (FCC) of two of the United States military’s most advanced aircraft – the Boeing F-15EX Eagle II and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. This upgrade is aimed at increasing processing power, enhancing aircraft performance, capabilities, and readiness, as well as incorporating new cybersecurity measures to ensure the safety and security of these critical platforms.
Corin Beck, senior director of Military Aircraft Systems for Controls and Avionics Solutions at BAE Systems, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing next-generation solutions for its customers. With over 40 years of experience in developing and integrating flight control technology for military and commercial platforms, BAE Systems is well-positioned to deliver cutting-edge upgrades to these aircraft.
The FCCs for both the F-15EX Eagle II and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet were originally manufactured by BAE Systems and feature common core electronics that support the quad-redundant FBW flight control systems. The upgrade will be conducted at BAE Systems‘ state-of-the-art engineering and manufacturing facility in Endicott, New York, ensuring that the highest standards of quality and precision are maintained throughout the process.
The modernization of the FCC electronics hardware and software will involve increasing processing power, enhancing cyber and product security, addressing obsolescence issues, and supporting future sustainment efforts. These upgrades are essential to ensuring the safety, reliability, robustness, and performance of these advanced aircraft, enabling them to effectively carry out their missions in a rapidly evolving operational environment.
In addition to these enhancements, the Super Hornet FCC will receive an additional processor to enable future capability upgrades for the fleet. This forward-looking approach ensures that the aircraft will remain at the cutting edge of technology and capability, allowing them to adapt to emerging threats and challenges.
The upgraded flight control computers will leverage BAE Systems‘ high-integrity flight control product roadmap, which is built upon extensive technology investments and has been successfully utilized in multiple recent military airborne platform flight control upgrades. This proven track record of delivering advanced solutions for complex aerospace systems underscores BAE Systems‘ expertise and commitment to supporting the mission-critical needs of its customers.
In conclusion, BAE Systems‘ upgrade of the flight control computers for the Boeing F-15EX Eagle II and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet represents a significant advancement in the capabilities of these aircraft. By increasing processing power, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and ensuring future capability upgrades, BAE Systems is helping to ensure that these platforms remain at the forefront of military aviation technology. With its extensive experience and expertise in flight control systems, BAE Systems is well-equipped to deliver the next-generation solutions that will enable these aircraft to continue to excel in the most challenging operational environments.