Boeing [BA], a prime contender for the multi-billion FX-2 fighter program for Brazil, yesterday said its Defense, Space & Security (BDS) business unit will showcase the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Block II simulator inside the National Congress Building in Brasília today through Aug. 19.
The Brazilian public will be able to fly the simulator and see the advanced technology inside the Super Hornet.
On Aug. 18, Boeing will participate in a public hearing organized by the National Defense Committee of the Brazilian Senate to discuss the Super Hornet’s capabilities and how it meets the Brazilian Air Force’s requirements, as well as technology transfer and industrial partnership.
“We look forward to answering any questions that the Brazilian senators may have in regard to Boeing’s Super Hornet offering in the F-X2 fighter competition,” said Joe McAndrew, BDS vice president of International Business Development for Europe, Israel and the Americas. “In addition to helping Brazil achieve air dominance, Boeing can be a strategic partner in several areas, including education, biofuels, satellites, unmanned systems, networking, and critical infrastructure protection.”
Earlier this month the Defense Security Cooperation notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Brazil of 28 F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft, eight F/A-18Fs, 72 F414-General Electric [GE]-400 installed engines, a host of spare parts and munitions at an estimated value of $7 billion (Defense Daily, Aug. 10).
The notification was being done in advance of an expected announcement by Brazil as part of its F-X2 fighter competition, so that if the U.S. Navy-Boeing proposal is selected, the United States might move forward as quickly as possible.
Boeing received a Request For Information from Brazil on June 12, 2008. The stated initial requirement was for 36 aircraft, with the potential for up to 120 aircraft (Defense Daily, Aug. 19).
According to the DSCA, Brazil wants proposals from several foreign suppliers, including the United States, to provide the next generation fighter for the Brazilian air force.
The simulator includes a front and rear cockpit and demonstrates the capabilities of the single-seat E model and the two-seat F model. Its 180-degree projection screen offers virtual-reality visibility of cities, forests, roads and buildings, as well as enemy aircraft. The system is capable of demonstrating simulated aerial combat and air-to-ground targeting, navigation, and mission systems operation. Operators also can practice landing on and taking off from runways or an aircraft carrier.
The Super Hornet strike fighter is in service with the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force and is currently one of the finalists in Brazil’s F-X2 fighter competition. The Super Hornet offers Brazil a winning combination of price and capability with advanced technology, high mission readiness, low life-cycle costs, low program risk, production availability, industrial benefits, and technology transfer.
representatives will also participate in program management and technical reviews for one-week intervals twice semi-annually.
Along with the Brazilian competition, Boeing is bidding for strike fighter contracts in eight other countries. The company has submitted a comprehensive proposal to India in support of the company’s Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) offer of 126 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and will offer its Super Hornet as the next-generation fighter for Greece.