Boeing reported the successful completion of its operational takeoff tests from a ski-jump equipped runway, demonstrating the Super Hornet’s compatibility with the Indian Navy’s requirements.
Two U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets completed multiple takeoffs from the runway at Hansa Naval Base (in the state of Goa, India) that is equipped with a Ski-Jump type inclined ramp, which emulates the flight deck of the Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
Testing included roll-in and fly-in arrestments, as well as performance flights, in a variety of weights in the air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-surface configurations, meeting the Indian Navy test requirements.
“The Boeing team was privileged to showcase the F/A-18 Super Hornet’s compatibility with Indian carriers in Goa,” said Alain Garcia, vice president, India business development for Boeing Defense, Space & Security and Boeing Global Services. “As the most advanced frontline multi-role naval fighter, the F/A-18 Super Hornet is one of the world’s most proven and affordable multi-role fighters and continues to evolve with the development of the next-generation Block III capability which will be game-changing for India.”
“With the Super Hornet Block III, the Indian Navy would not only get the most advanced platform but would also benefit from tactics, upgrades and knowledge related to the naval aviation ecosystem that the U.S. Navy offers,” he added.
The tests in India follow eight ski-jump takeoffs, at various weights and configurations, executed during earlier tests at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River in Maryland in late 2020, which demonstrated the Super Hornet’s ability to operate from a short takeoff but stall recovery (STOBAR) carrier.
⛷ #SuperHornet hits the slopes!
Watch as an F/A-18 takes off from a ski-jump ramp, demonstrating the ability to operate effectively from @IndianNavy aircraft carriers. pic.twitter.com/eBSaYF97sy— Boeing Defense (@BoeingDefense) December 21, 2020
The competition
The French Dassault Rafale M fighter is competing with Boeing’s Super Hornet to win the Indian Navy’s contract to acquire 26 multi-role carrier-borne fighters (MRCBF) to form the embarked combat wing of the new locally designed and built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
See also: Rafale reportedly losing ground to Super Hornet in Indian Navy competition
The Rafale M has already been evaluated for its ability to operate from short runways equipped with the ski-jump trampoline at the Hansa base, and while it would have been able to meet the challenge satisfactorily, it has other drawbacks that would tip the balance in favor of the U.S. aircraft.
