Boeing

The Boeing Company has delivered its second production model F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to the U.S. Navy as scheduled. The aircraft ferried from Lambert International Airport in St. Louis to Naval Air Station China Lake, Calif., in February.

Seven production model Super Hornets will enter Operational Evaluation (OPEVAL) with Navy test squadron VX-9 in May. OPEVAL will consist of more than 800 flights in a six-month period. The aircraft will be tested in all mission areas, in various climates and at sea aboard an aircraft carrier.

Boeing has received orders from the Navy for 62 F/A-18E/Fs. The Navy plans to buy a minimum of 548 Super Hornets through 2010. The first production model was delivered in December 1998 more than a month ahead of schedule.

The seven flight-test aircraft at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., have completed more than 2,825 flights and flown more than 4,185 hours.

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