The new F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet fighters, which will be supplied to the US Navy, will not receive conformal fuel tanks, which were previously one of the main features of the aircraft.
As reported by The Drive, the US Navy has abandoned plans to equip the new F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet with conformal fuel tanks or CFT. At least, not yet. The Navy has already sent an official decree to the Boeing Corporation on the termination of work on the CFT.
Conformal fuel tanks are additional fuel tanks adjacent to the fuselage of the aircraft. They increase the flight range without taking up suspension points, like a PTB (outboard fuel tank).
F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet
Image source: thedrive
The F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet fighter jet took to the skies for the first time last year. Among the main features of the machine is a new IRST sensor and a large touchscreen display for the cockpit. The machine will be able to use a wide range of air — to — air and air-to-surface weapons.
The Block III version will serve in the US Navy together with the previously delivered Super Hornet fighters and the new fifth-generation F-35C.
