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Backgrounder

CF-18 Modernization

BG–06.025 - August 31, 2006

A total of 80 CF-18 Hornet aircraft are undergoing a thorough mid-life upgrade to ensure that the Canadian Forces have a modern and interoperable fighter fleet until 2017. Various modernization projects are combined in two distinct phases of the overall aircraft modernization program.

Of the 138 CF-18s procured between 1982 and 1988, 97 aircraft remain in flying status today: 17 were lost to accidents, three were sold and the remaining aircraft have reached the end of useful life and will be declared surplus. Of the surplus aircraft, several will be retained for spare parts, some will be used for technician training or will be displayed on pedestals or in museums (i.e. aircraft number 901 has been inducted into the Canada Aviation Museum) and the others likely will be offered up for sale. At this time, none of these aircraft has formally been declared surplus.

The role of the CF-18

In order to maintain the capability to protect Canadian sovereignty, to contribute to the collective defence of North America within the NORAD agreement, and to provide a credible contribution to UN, NATO, and coalition-led operations, Canada’s fighter force needs to be modernized.

The CF-18 is a proven and durable fighter aircraft. Today, Canadian Air Force CF-18s, their pilots, and aircrews are deployed with NORAD, ready to respond to threats to North America.

The CF-18 is a modern and capable fighter aircraft with a secure communications capability, which was, however, not fully inter-operable with our allies. With the completion of Phase I of the Incremental Modernization Project in 2006, the CF-18 will achieve secure communication inter-operability.

Modernizing the CF-18 fleet will support an extended operational viability to at least 2017.

Phase I of modernization

This first phase of CF-18 modernization is a cornerstone project that entails the procurement and installation of a new radar, “Have-Quick” jam-resistant radios, combined interrogator/ transponders, stores management systems, mission computers and embedded global positioning systems/inertial navigation systems.

The upgrade is based on a U.S. Navy Engineering Change Proposal (ECP 583) and is the most cost effective, minimum-risk method to satisfy the CF-18 modernization requirements. The systems have been tested extensively and flown operationally.

Earlier this month, the Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, in Winnipeg, granted full operational capability for the Phase I Modernized CF-18 based on the successful achievement of project implementation plan milestones and demonstration of specific capabilities.

The Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) was also procured by Canada in parallel with Phase I of the CF-18 Modernization Project.

Phase II of modernization

Phase II will outfit Canada’s CF-18s with the latest in technologically advanced equipment.

The fighter jets will be equipped with a secure data and communications link that allow CF-18 crews to stay in constant contact with other jets, ground stations and airborne warning and control systems (AWACS) to maintain awareness in their constantly evolving environment.

New state-of-the-art colour display panels will provide pilots with improved access to flight data and communications. The colour displays will significantly improve the pilots’ ability to refine the reams of data they receive. Pilots’ helmets will be outfitted with new visors that display readings from the instrument panel, so that they can maintain visual contact with a target without having to look down into the cockpit to monitor flight instruments. A new ejection seat, in support of this new helmet display system, will also be procured under Phase II. The aircraft will also be outfitted with a new missile countermeasures chaff/flare dispenser. Two prototypes are currently being modified at the Naval Air Warfare Center, in China Lake, California. Production is planned to begin in October 2006 at the L3 Communications MAS facilities in Mirabel, Quebec and will last for three years.

Off-aircraft projects

In addition to the two modernization phases for CF-18 aircraft, other off-aircraft projects are in various stages of development or implementation include: the Air Combat Manoeuvring Instrumentation System; the Night-Vision Imagery System; the Advanced Distributed Combat Training System; the Advanced Multi-Role Infrared Sensor; a new Defensive Electronics Warfare Defence Suite; and Advanced Precision-Guided Munitions.

Modernization program costs

The entire modernization program, phased over eight years, will create employment and technology development opportunities for Canadians. Although the overall cost of the project has not been finalized, approvals to date total approximately $2.3-billion.

Boeing is the prime contactor for both phases of the CF-18 Modernization project. L-3 Communications has been sub-contracted by Boeing to carry out the Phase I and Phase II installations at its Mirabel plant outside Montreal.

Canada’s is not the only Air Force conducting a wholesale upgrade to the Hornet. The Royal Australian Air Force, the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy are also extending the life of their F-18s.

The new multi-purpose displays were developed as a cooperative project between Canada and Australia, resulting in a significant cost savings for Canada. Since the Royal Australian Air Force had already contracted Boeing for work on their F/A-18 A & B aircraft, selecting the same prime contractor minimized project risk. Boeing sub-contracted the development and production of these new colour displays to L3 Communications Electronic Systems (ES) of Toronto, Ontario.

CF-18 Modernization is a fiscally responsible and financially feasible method of continuing to provide Canada with a safe, reliable and effective fighter aircraft fleet. It will provide the Canadian Forces with up-to-date equipment, increase Air Force interoperability with our allies and enhance CF flexibility to meet future national and global missions.

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