Summary

• BAE Systems upgrades FBW and FCS of F-15EX and F/A-18E/F
• The improved FCCs will improve the performance of the aircraft
• BAE is a major contractor for various fighter jet programs

The defense company BAE Systems has received a contract to modernize the fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control computers (FCC) for the F-15EX Eagle II and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets. These fighter jets are the newest (and probably last) variants of the respective fighter jet families. The first F-15EX are currently being delivered, while the last order for the Super Hornet has already been placed. The modernization of the on-board computers is an indication that modern fighter jets are increasingly flying with supercomputers.

BAE upgrades FBW and FCS of Strike Eagle II and Super Hornet

On August 20, BAE Systems announced that it would provide the technology upgrade for the F-15EX and F/A-18 Super Hornets and that the upgrades would increase computing power and improve the aircraft’s performance. BAE also stated that the two aircraft’s flight control computers share common core electronics. These “support the quadruple redundant FBW flight control systems (FCS) and provide the safety, reliability, robustness and performance required for the missions of these advanced platforms.”

“As the original manufacturer of the FCCs for both aircraft, BAE Systems will modernize the FCC electronics hardware and software to increase processing power, improve cyber and product security, address obsolescence issues and ensure future maintenance.” – BAE Systems

The computers allow the aircraft to efficiently control flight by processing pilot inputs, monitoring the aircraft’s motion conditions in real time, and sending commands to actuators that move the aircraft’s control surfaces. They help pilots focus more on the mission and less on flying the aircraft.

The improved FCCs will help ensure that the 4.5th generation aircraft remain competitive and relevant for years to come. In addition, the F/A-18E/F’s flight control systems will receive an additional processor “to enable future capabilities.” The work will be carried out at BAE’s design and production facility in Endicott, New York.

BAE is a major supplier of fighter jets

While Boeing is the prime contractor for Strike Eagle II and Super Hornet, BAE Systems is the original manufacturer of the FCCs of both aircraft. While BAE does not manufacture aircraft for the US Air Force and Navy, its signature can be found on many of these aircraft (for example, BAE is a key contractor in the F-35 program). The F-35 is intended to be the backbone of the Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy and is closely protected by the United States (the US has even banned several allies and partners from purchasing the F-35).

BAE is one of the prime contractors for the Eurofighter Typhoon and prime contractor for the sixth generation BAE Tempest (Global Combat Aircraft Programme or GCAP). BAE Tempest is being developed in partnership with Japanese company Mitsubishi and Italian company Leonardo and is scheduled to enter service in 2035.