Following decades of overuse and underfunding, recent Naval Aviation efforts focus on restoring readiness and lethality. The 2018 Bipartisan Budget Act allotted $14 billion toward restoring Navy readiness enabler accounts. This marks only the second time since 2008 that these accounts were appropriately funded.
Aircraft Carriers
Under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, the Navy contracted to buy two aircraft carriers from Huntington Ingalls Industries. In January 2019, the $15.2 billion multiship contract for the Enterprise (CVN-80) and the yet-to-be named CVN-81 was inked, saving the Navy a total of $4 billion across the two Gerald R. Ford-class carriers. Preliminary construction on the Enterprise has begun, with an expected delivery date in 2028. CVN-81’s keel laying is slated for 2026 with an expected delivery date in 2032. Unlike the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), which has a Dual Band Radar (DBR), these carriers—along with the John F. Kennedy (CVN-79)—will be outfitted with a variant of the new AN/SPY-6(V) Air and Missile Defense Radar known as the Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar Suite, which has less technical risk than the DBR.
The first of her class, the Gerald R. Ford enjoyed a productive shakedown period in 2018. While at sea, the new electromagnetic aircraft launch system and the advanced arresting gear performed admirably, successfully conducting 747 aircraft launches and arrested landings. Currently in post shakedown availability (PSA), the Ford has worked the bugs out of 2 of its 11 advanced weapons elevators. The remaining elevators are scheduled to be accepted by the Navy after PSA completion in late summer 2019.
Strike/Interdiction Aircraft
F-35 Lightning II: The F-35B and F-35C provide the Marine Corps and Navy with stealthy, all-weather air superiority and strike capabilities. In 2018, the Navy’s F-35 program made great strides with VFA-147 “Argonauts”—the Navy’s first operational F-35C squadron—achieving initial operational capability (IOC) in February 2019. While all VFA-147 aircraft have the full warfighting capability inherent with the Block 3F software, the Department of the Navy is investing more than $450 million in 2019 under the Continuous Capability Development and Delivery program for the Block 4 upgrades, to ensure warfighting capabilities well into the future. By the end of 2018, the Navy’s F-35C fleet contained 28 aircraft, with another 9 scheduled for delivery this year.
Beyond airframes, 2018 saw significant changes for the Navy F-35 program’s administration. Pilot training transitioned from VFA-101 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, to VFA-125 at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. Moving forward, VFA-125 “Rough Raiders” is to be the single source provider for F-35C pilots for the Navy and Marine Corps; however, training for Navy maintenance professionals will continue at Eglin Air Force Base for the foreseeable future. Additionally, 2018 saw the standup of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Wing in NAS Lemoore, selecting Navy Captain Max McCoy as the Navy’s first JSF commodore. The JSF program lacks a corresponding Navy program office common to most major aviation platforms, which requires Captain McCoy and his staff to coordinate directly with DoD’s F-35 Joint Program Office to man, train, and equip the Navy’s burgeoning JSF fleet.
The Marine Corps followed VMFA-121’s successful 2017 shore-based F-35B deployment with VMFA-211’s first shipborne combat deployment with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit on board the USS Essex (LHD-2). On 27 September, VMFA-211 became the first U.S. F-35 unit in history to employ weapons in combat. The strike was flown in support of ground forces with Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in Afghanistan. Of note, the Israeli Air Force was the world’s first to employ the F-35 in combat, striking targets in Syria in April or May of 2018 (exact dates have not been released).
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet: The stalwart of carrier aviation for the past 17 years, the Super Hornet fleet marked a significant milestone in 2018 when its first aircraft reached the end of its original expected service life of 6,000 flight hours. In anticipation, the Navy established a service life extension and capabilities upgrade package for its aging Super Hornet fleet. Dubbed “Service Life Modification” (SLM), the first aircraft began the modification process in April 2018, and five aircraft currently are undergoing SLM. The initial process is expected to require 18 months to complete, but the required out-of-service time should be reduced when a second production line comes online in 2023.
At its maturity, SLM will induct Block II Super Hornets and deliver back to the fleet Block III Super Hornets. The Block III package includes: service life extension to 10,000 flight hours (a 66 percent increase); signature improvements; conformal fuel tanks (CFT); advanced cockpit displays; and upgrades to enable the Digital Targeting Processor–Networked (DTP–N) and Tactical Targeting Networking Technology (TTNT). The CFTs have the potential to increase aircraft range by up to 15 percent; the DTP-N and TTNT combination enables improved off-board data fusion through upgraded data links and 15 times faster processing capacity compared with that of the current mission computers. Super Hornets procured in 2018 and after will be delivered in the Block III configuration, and the Navy has budgeted to procure 24 Super Hornets in both 2019 and 2020.
Next Generation Air Dominance Aircraft: The past year has seen great strides in the Navy Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), which is examining the attributes required to address the capability and capacity gaps when the FA-18E/F and EA-18G fleets begin to reach the end of service life. The Naval Air Station Patuxent River-based AoA team is expected to conclude its analysis in early 2019 and certification to transition from the material solution phase to the technology maturation and risk-reduction phase (Milestone “A”) by the end of 2019.
Electronic Attack
EA-18G Growler: Growlers are designed to conduct kinetic and non-kinetic operations through the full range of the electromagnetic spectrum. The Navy received the last three Growlers from Boeing in March 2019, bringing the total U.S inventory to 160. This past year the EA-18G incorporated TTNT, enabling a high-data-rate, low-latency datalink between the Growler and the FA-18E/F and E-2D. The TTNT system enables high-speed sharing of sensor parametric data, expanding the air wing’s kill-chain capabilities within the passive environment.
In 2018, H12 software introduced into the Growler fleet enabled the use of the live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) training apparatus, and VAQ-129—the Growler fleet replacement squadron (FRS)—became the first platform to operate within LVC. During a two-week detachment, nine manned “red air” (or adversary) sorties were eliminated, increasing available blue air training assets by reducing adversary aircraft requirements. In 2019, the LVC environment is planned for implementation at VFA-122, the Navy’s largest FRS. Once incorporated fleetwide, the LVC construct has the potential to dramatically reduce the more than 1,400 annual red air sorties flown in support of aircrew training.
Early Warning
E-2D Advanced Hawkeye: The follow-on to the E-2C, the E-2D, with its AN/APY-9 active electronically scanned radar with mechanical rotation and advanced sensor suite, is a core pillar of Naval Integrated Fire Control (NIFC). Near-term upgrades to the E-2D include bringing inflight refueling capability to the operational fleet and upgrading mission system avionics including the TTNT—a key enabler to expanding NIFC capabilities.
By the end of 2018, the Navy’s E-2 community consisted of 41 E-2Cs and 36 E-2Ds. Currently, the Navy has three E-2D operational squadrons: the VAW-125 “Tigertails”, VAW-121 “Bluetails”, and VAW-126 “Seahawks.” Members of VAW-125, permanently stationed in Iwakuni, Japan, could soon be training alongside their Japanese counterparts. In September 2018, the State Department approved the sale of nine E-2Ds to this important Indo-Pacific ally. In 2018 the Navy also received authorization to enter into a five-year contract with Northrop Grumman to complete the program of record purchase, bringing the total number of E-2Ds to 75 aircraft.
E-6B TACAMO: Derived from the Boeing 707, the E-6B aircraft provides survivable, reliable, durable, airborne command, control, and communications in support of the National Command Authority. The Navy contingent stationed at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, comprises three squadrons: the “Roughnecks” of VQ-7 (FRS) and operational squadrons, the “Shadows” (VQ-4) and the “Ironmen” (VQ-3). In its role as an airborne command center, the TACAMO supports a resilient and flexible nuclear deterrent posture, performs very low frequency (VLF) emergency communications, and directs naval ballistic-missile submarines and land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles. As a key aspect within the broader deliberations regarding upgrading the nation’s nuclear command-and-control structure, initial discussion concerning a replacement aircraft began in 2017, and the ongoing analysis of alternatives will continue through 2019. The current fleet of E-6Bs is expected to fly into the latter half of the 2030s.
Rotary Wing Aircraft
MH-60R/S Seahawk: While both variants deploy with carrier air wings and expeditionary detachments ashore and on board cruisers, destroyers, L-class amphibious assault ships, littoral combat ships, and Military Sealift Command ships, the two Seahawk communities are tasked with distinctly different missions.
The MH-60S tasking includes vertical replenishment logistics, antisurface strike, search and rescue (including combat search and rescue), airborne mine countermeasures, and naval special warfare support. To perform these missions, the MH-60S is equipped with a combination of specialized avionics and weapons, including the Multispectral Targeting System, the airborne laser mine detection system, the airborne mine neutralization system, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System, 20-mm cannon, and crew-served weapons. In 2018, the Helmet Display and Tracking System kits were added, improving situational awareness and providing a continuously computed impact point for targeting 2.75-inch unguided rockets and the 20-mm cannon. In addition, avionics upgrades to the Advanced Data Transfer Systems improve positional awareness through the integration of a moving map and digital data recorder. Finally, the replacement MH-60S gunner seat improves naval air crewmen’s safety and long-term health. Introduced in 2002, 275 MH-60S were produced for the Navy; production ceased in 2016.
The MH-60R, introduced four years after the MH-60S, supports antisurface, antisubmarine, and electromagnetic warfare missions. As the only organic antisubmarine platform in the carrier air wing, the MH-60R is outfitted with the APS-153 radar, AQS-22 Airborne Low Frequency Sonar, Multispectral Targeting System, Tactical Common Data Link, Link-16, sonobuoys, and Mk-46/54 lightweight torpedoes. Funded capability enhancements in the previous year included the Automatic Radar Periscope Detection and Discrimination retrofit kits for the APS-153
radar—vastly improving the aircraft’s detection capabilities. In addition, last year the Advanced Data Transfer System kits (common to the MH-60S) were installed to improve situational awareness through the incorporation of a moving map and digital data recorder. MH-60R deliveries are ongoing, with the last delivery scheduled for 2020; the current MH-60R inventory consists of 288 helicopters.
Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance
P-8A Poseidon: Entering service in 2012, the P-8A is the Navy’s long-range maritime patrol aircraft and the follow-on to the venerable P-3C Orion. Designed primarily as an antisubmarine platform, the P-8A has open architecture ISR sensors, enabling the inclusion of an improved ground moving target indicator (GMTI) avionics package. GMTI testing began in 2018 to enhance the aircraft’s APY-10 multifunction radar and MX-20 camera sensor suite. If all goes well, fielding is expected in 2019.
In 2018, the P-8A had a series of notable firsts. In February, while on detachment to Kadena Air Base, Japan, VP-8 was called on to take part in a search for three fisherman lost at sea for eight days. Within three hours, the P-8A located the disabled boat and dropped a UNI-PAC II containing food, water, medicine, and communications equipment. This marked the first deployment of a UNI-PAC II search-and-rescue kit from a P-8A in a real-world search-and-rescue mission. In other firsts, VP-45’s March 2018 deployment to the Indo-Pacific theater, along with VP-26’s October deployment to 6th Fleet, demonstrated to these two critical regions of the world the airborne refueling capability of the P-8A.
Tiltrotor Aircraft
CMV-22B: In October 2018, the CMV-22 community took significant steps forward with the stand-up of the Naval Aviation Training Support Group, which provides training to maintenance personnel. In addition, in December, the Navy established the FRS, VRM-30 “Titans.” Until VRM-30 is certified for pilot instruction, Navy pilots will continue to learn to fly the CMV-22 from the Marines of VMMT-204, located at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina. Of note, the Bell-Boeing joint venture began building the Navy’s CMV-22Bs in 2018 and will deliver the first aircraft in 2020. A multi-year procurement contract was signed in 2018 and begins in 2020 that secures the purchase of 42 of the planned 46 total CVM-22Bs. The CMV-22 is scheduled for IOC in 2021 and FOC in 2023.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
MQ-4C Triton: Designed as a persistent maritime ISR platform, Northrop Grumman’s MQ-4C design builds on the successful RQ-4 Global Hawk airframe. Outfitted with the AN/ZPY-3 multifunction active sensor, the MQ-4C incorporates a 360-degree active electronically scanned array radar optimized for maritime surveillance. The Triton made its maiden flight in May 2013, and the aircraft are due to be operational in 2021 with multi-intelligence enhancements, permitting the retirement of the EP-3E. The Navy plans to purchase 68 Tritons, enabling five persistent orbits over the life of the program.
This past year saw two MQ-4Cs from VUP-19 “Big Red” conducting flight operations under a tactical control structure unique to the Navy. The aircraft, along with their maintenence and launch-and-recovery air vehicle operators, are stationed at Naval Base Ventura County, California. After takeoff, control is transferred to VUP-19 aircrew located at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. This bilateral control provides invaluable experience for VUP-19 as it develops tactics, techniques, and procedures for upcoming deployments.
MQ-8C Fire Scout: Northrop Grumman’s MQ-8C is based on the Bell 407 helicopter design and delivers twice the endurance and three times the payload capacity of the MQ-8B. The MQ-8C completed ship-based initial operational test and evaluation on board the USS Coronado (LCS-4) in 2018, and IOC is scheduled for the end of 2019. In 2018, funding was allocated for integration of the AN/ZPY-8 multimode active electronically scanned array radar. This effort, combined with the incorporation of Link-16 and the Minotaur mission management system, will improve battlespace awareness to the LCS and surface fleet. A fleet of 38 MQ-8Cs are planned to complement the Navy’s current fleet of 30 MQ-8Bs.
MQ-25A Stingray: On 30 August 2018, the Navy awarded Boeing a more than $800 million development contract for four MQ-25A unmanned carrier-based airborne refueling aircraft. The chosen design is capable of providing up to 15,000 pounds of fuel to carrier air wing assets. While the first production airframes are being constructed, four preliminary flight tests using the prototype aircraft are scheduled for 2021. With MQ-25A IOC planned for mid-2024, the Navy plans to provide
every air wing five MQ-25s, a goal
that will require a fleet of approximately 70 airframes.
Weapons and Avionics
AGM-158C Long-Range AntiSurface Missile (LRASM): A derivative of the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile–Extended Range program, the LRASM is a long-range precision-guided missile designed to use multiple sensors to target enemy ships operating within an antiaccess/area-denial environment. Initially fielded as an urgent capabilities stopgap in 2014, the program has matured into a full-fledged program of record and as of April 2018, the Navy had performed a successful captive-carry test on an F/A-18E/F. The missile is expected to IOC in the fall of 2019. The Air Force declared IOC for the AGM-158C on board the B-1B Lancer after it completed its sixth successful missile test in March 2018.
Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile–Extended Range (AARGM-ER): Primarily a destruction or suppression-of-enemy-air-defense weapon, the AARGM-ER includes improvements to range, incorporates hardware and software modifications, facilitates operations against advanced surface-to-air threats within an antiaccess/area-denial environment—and much more. Expected to IOC in late 2023, the AARGM-ER achieved acquisition Milestone B in December 2018, indicating the official start of the program.
AN/ALQ-247 Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) : The NGJ replaces the venerable AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System. Designed as an externally podded system, the NGJ employs multiple active electronically scanned arrays and an advanced deception techniques generator, bringing offensive electronic attack, communications jamming, and advanced EW capabilities to the battlespace. Initial deliveries of internal electronics units and the transmitter array for the Raytheon mid-band transmitter began in 2018. After initial concerns regarding the pod’s structural integrity were resolved, IOC is scheduled for 2022. The United States and Australia signed a memorandum of agreement in 2017 to coproduce these jammers. As of 2018, five RAAF officers and one civilian were fully integrated into the program.
Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Block II: This past year, the IRST Block II program achieved a significant milestone by earning certification to enter into low-rate initial production (LRIP). In March 2019, the initial LRIP pods will begin a period of fleet demonstration with VFA-22, marking the return of critical capabilities missing since the sundown of the F-14D in 2006. The fleet demonstration is expected to accelerate the development and operational test periods and provide valuable insights to employment tactics, techniques, and procedures and squadron-level maintenance and sustainment best practices.
Listen to a Proceedings Podcast interview with the author below: