17:35 GMT, February 3, 2009 ST. LOUIS | Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Navy on Feb. 2 delivered a proposal to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) offering the advanced, multirole F/A-18E/F Super Hornet as part of Brazil's F-X2 fighter aircraft competition.

The Super Hornet was one of three aircraft selected by the FAB in October 2008 to be evaluated in the Request for Proposal phase of the F-X2 competition. Brazil's stated requirement is for 36 aircraft; final contract award is expected in late 2009.

"We are pleased to offer the Brazilian Air Force the advanced combat capability the Block II Super Hornet delivers," said Bob Gower, vice president of F/A-18 and EA-18 Programs for Global Strike Systems, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. "We believe this proposal will meet the Brazilian Air Force's operational requirements and reflects the U.S. government's decision to release Super Hornet technology.

"Boeing is looking forward to the opportunity to establish long-term partnerships with the Brazilian Air Force, Brazilian industry and the government of Brazil," Gower added.

The Super Hornet, with core strengths in both performance and technology, is the most advanced multipurpose strike fighter in production today, with a proven performance record through more than 500,000 hours of flight time. It is operated by the U.S. Navy and is currently being built for the Royal Australian Air Force. The Super Hornet program has continued to add capability to the aircraft while decreasing cost over its lifetime. In addition, the Super Hornet is the first operationally deployed strike fighter incorporating next-generation capabilities, including the Raytheon-built APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, which the U.S. government released to Brazil as part of the Super Hornet offering.

Boeing has delivered more than 380 Super Hornets to the U.S. Navy, all on or ahead of the original production delivery schedule. Australia is procuring Super Hornets to bolster its fleet of F/A-18 Hornets. Boeing is in discussions with several other international customers about their interest in procuring the Super Hornet.

----

See also:

Brazil selects F-18E/F, Rafale and Gripen in fighter jet bid
http://www.defpro.com/daily/details/142/

Saab offers Gripen NG to Brazil
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/5258/