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News Release
Final Aircraft of Phase I CF-18 Modernization
NR–06.053 - August 31, 2006
OTTAWA – The Department of National Defence accepted the delivery of the 80th and final Phase I modernized CF-18 Hornet from Boeing International in a ceremony today at the L3 Communications MAS facility in Mirabel, Que. The event marked the completion of Phase I of the CF-18 modernization project.
Phase I is considered the cornerstone CF-18 modernization project, providing the fleet with secure communications interoperability. The upgrades completed include: a new radar; jam-resistant radios; a combined interrogator-transponder; stores management systems; mission computers; and embedded global positioning and inertial navigation systems. Phase I, in collaboration with Phase II (which began its prototype modification in January 2006) will provide the Canadian Forces with a technologically advanced, reliable and effective fighter aircraft.
“Phase I has laid the foundation for the second phase of modernization which will assure the Hornet's ability to be fully interoperable with coalition forces and provide the flexible and precise air power that is needed in the fight against terrorism and in national sovereignty operations,” said Lieutenant-General Steve Lucas, Chief of the Air Staff. “With the completion of Phase II, the CF-18 will be able to conduct a full range of combat operations well into the future.”
Boeing was awarded the $880-million contract for Phase I of the CF-18 Incremental Modernization Project in 2001. The contract included the procurement and installation of this sophisticated technical upgrade package to make the modernized CF-18 a much more relevant fighter aircraft well until its projected end of life, in about the 2017 timeframe. The aircraft modifications for this project phase were completed under a sub-contract by L-3 MAS at their facilities in Mirabel, Que.
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Note to editors: For more information about the CF-18 Incremental Modernization Project, please see the CF-18 Modernization Backgrounder available at: www.forces.gc.ca. Additional facts about the CF-18 can be found at: http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/equip/cf-18/intro_e.asp.
Canadian Forces CF-18 video footage is available for download here.
Still imagery is also available on the Canadian Forces Image Gallery.
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