# Project 1662 — F/A-18 Improvement

**Program element:** 0204136N — F/A-18 Squadrons  
**Project:** 1662  
**Component:** U.S. Navy  
**Appropriation:** 1319 — RDT&E, Navy  
**Budget Activity:** 7 — Operational System Development  
**Vintage:** President's Budget PB2027  
**Canonical URL:** https://hitchintel.com/programs/0204136N/1662  
**Parent:** https://hitchintel.com/programs/0204136N

## Summary

Project 1662 — F/A-18 Improvement requests $258.5M in FY2027, 95% of the $271.4M requested for program element 0204136N, down 28% on FY2026. 12 R-2A activities decompose the request. NAWCWD is the largest named R-3 performer at $90.7M, 35% of the project's FY2027 R-3 total.

## Funding profile

| Fiscal Year | Estimate Type | Amount ($M) |
|---|---|---|
| FY2025 | Actual | 321.7 |
| FY2026 | Enacted | 358.0 |
| FY2027 | Request | 258.5 |
| FY2028 | Outyear | 265.9 |
| FY2029 | Outyear | 252.2 |
| FY2030 | Outyear | 229.7 |
| FY2031 | Outyear | 233.7 |

> Estimate types are not summed. This project is one leaf of PE 0204136N; the PE total is the sum of its projects, never added to them.

## What project 1662 buys

Advanced Electronic Warfare (ADVEW) provides increased survivability and enhanced SA throughout the EM spectrum against current, expanded and complex RF threats/environment. Incremental approach to collaborative detection/jamming initiatives and Common Tactical Picture, Tactical data fusion concepts. Network Cyber Defense provides for the development of a hardware and software-based solution into the Distributed Target Processor - Network (DTP-N) in order for the network cyber defense to provide the F/A-18 E/F and EA-18G with a capability to detect an intrusion and prevent avionics terminals on the data from being corrupted by malicious software and identify when the software is not operating normally. This project funds equipping F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft with an Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (AGCAS) to prevent Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT). AGCAS continuously monitors terrain elevation data stored in the Digital Video Map Computer (DVMC) / Digital Video Map Computer Upgrade (DVMC-U), aircraft altitude (INS/GPS), and predicted flight path, to proactively identify and predict potential CFIT incidents. The system generates warnings and advisories, culminating in automatic flight control inputs to recover the aircraft and prevent collisions. F-18 modernization Global Lightning (GL) development is an integrated F/A-18E/F and EA-18G Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communications solution. This effort includes the development of a software defined radio, Global Lightning aperture, and resilient communication enablers. Additionally, this will encompass an aircraft integration effort to support two-way data and voice BLOS capability. This capability provides joint, multi-domain connectivity for the distributed battlespace Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) tactical communication and puts a common tactical picture into the hands of the pilot. The capability also provides a resilient, real-time gateway between the 4th and 5th generation tactical aircraft with datalinks at the tactical edge with assured C2 and targeting from national and other off board sensors. The data is provided through multiple data paths and supports Long Range Fires in critical environments. Beyond Line of Site (BLOS) also provides tactical communications for joint, multi-domain connectivity in support of distributed battlespace.

**R-3 lines of work:** Product Development; Support; Test and Evaluation; Management Services.

## Named R-3 performers

| Performer | $M | Share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total |
|---|---|---|
| NAWCWD | 90.7 | 35% |
| Boeing | 61.1 | 24% |
| NAWCAD | 47.6 | 18% |
| NSMA | 28.7 | 11% |

> Budget-justification contract funding, not obligations. Shares need not reach 100% — unnamed and government work is in the denominator.

## Activities (R-2A) — 12

| Activity | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 | Move | Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Electronic Warfare (ADVEW) | 108.5 | 89.5 | 63.3 | −29% | [a0](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0204136N/1662/a0) |
| Multi-System Integration (MSI) | 51.5 | 53.3 | 59.2 | +11% | [a7](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0204136N/1662/a7) |
| Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (AGCAS) E/F/G | 1.7 | 18.0 | 36.1 | +101% | [a1](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0204136N/1662/a1) |
| F/A-18 Beyond Line Of Sight (BLOS) Comms | 68.6 | 66.8 | 33.4 | −50% | [a2](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0204136N/1662/a2) |
| Digital Video Map Computer-Upgrade (DVMC-U) | 22.0 | 29.8 | 14.7 | −51% | [a4](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0204136N/1662/a4) |
| Next Generation Naval Mission Planning System (NGNMPS) | 18.0 | 21.2 | 11.8 | −44% | [a9](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0204136N/1662/a9) |
| Brizo Beacon | 0.0 | 14.7 | 10.2 | −31% | — |
| F/A-18 Obsolescence Redesign | 10.3 | 32.4 | 9.5 | −71% | — |
| Flight Plan Engineering / System Configuration Set Development and Integration | 3.7 | 4.2 | 9.1 | +117% | — |
| USMC Capability Upgrades | 14.3 | 18.0 | 6.1 | −66% | — |
| F/A-18 E/F/G Network Cyber Defense | 16.1 | 9.9 | 5.0 | −50% | — |
| Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) Aircraft Integration | 7.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | — | — |

> Activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. In the request year they partition this project exactly; in earlier years they can under-cover it.

### Advanced Electronic Warfare (ADVEW)

Funding will support final Rapid Prototyping development under the Middle Tier Acquisition effort. Funding will also support Government flight and environmental testing and final system evaluation. Funding will continue to support the Agile Software Continuous Integration, Delivery & Deployment (CID&D) for improvement and integration…

Full year-by-year narrative: https://hitchintel.com/programs/0204136N/1662/a0

### Multi-System Integration (MSI)

Continue development, integration and qualification of the LITENING Artemis Targeting Pod Type 179 Laser. Planned activities include execution of a Critical Design Review (CDR) and updates to software, firmware and system design resulting from that review. Funding will also support procurement of mass mock-up hardware to support laser…

Full year-by-year narrative: https://hitchintel.com/programs/0204136N/1662/a7

### Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (AGCAS) E/F/G

Develop, test, and evaluate software changes required for the development of AGCAS for F/A-18E/F and EA-18G variants. Research changes needed to the Mission Computer (MC), Flight Control Computer (FCC), and Digital Video Map Computer (DVMC) for all blocks of F/A-18 E/F and EA-18G aircraft.

Full year-by-year narrative: https://hitchintel.com/programs/0204136N/1662/a1

### F/A-18 Beyond Line Of Sight (BLOS) Comms

Continue the development and hardware integration of GL on the F/A-18E/F and software integration on the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G. Provide aircraft integration to support two-way data and voice BLOS capability. Continue integration of two-way data and voice communication and an aperture for use over satellite constellations. Development of a…

Full year-by-year narrative: https://hitchintel.com/programs/0204136N/1662/a2

### Digital Video Map Computer-Upgrade (DVMC-U)

Continue conducting flight test, engineering development and integration of DVMC-U Minimum Viable Product (MVP) on Advanced Cockpit System (ACS) equipped F/A-18E/F and EA-18G. ACS and DVMC-U, coupled with other F/A-18E/F and EA-18G weapon system capability improvements, enable incremental upgrades providing for continued tactical…

Full year-by-year narrative: https://hitchintel.com/programs/0204136N/1662/a4

### Next Generation Naval Mission Planning System (NGNMPS)

Continued development efforts to remove the dependency on the JMPS Framework, while still running on a client Windows laptop with the ability to pull the UPCs out of the JMPS runtime, pull collaboration data (where available) from the web server, and reduce the friction in going to-and-from the brick. Specifically working the AEA UPC…

Full year-by-year narrative: https://hitchintel.com/programs/0204136N/1662/a9

### Brizo Beacon

**FY2027 planned work.** Brizo Development will continue through FY2027. The Agile software developments will also continue along with flight tests.

**FY2026 to FY2027 change.** FY2026 to FY2027 decrease of $4.538M is due to rescope of the Brizo's development plan which takes the phased approach down to one end item instead of two.

**FY2026 plans — current year.** Continuing Phase I design and development of hardware and software and continuing developmental test and evaluation.

### F/A-18 Obsolescence Redesign

**FY2027 planned work.** FY27 funding supports the continued procurement for Flight Control Computer (FCC) Shop-Replaceable Assembly (SRA) hardware redesign, software development and test planning. The F/A-18E, F/A-18F and EA-18G FCC receives inputs from the aircraft sensors and provides full authority fly-by-wire aircraft control, true airspeed, true angle-of-attack, and relative air density to the Advanced Mission Computer (AMC). The FCC is currently impacted by multiple obsolete components; the Processor Module SRA and Mezzanine Card currently have 17 obsolete components. The FCC redesign effort mitigates Processor Module SRA and Mezzanine Card obsolescence and power growth requirements by leveraging existing industry designs and incorporating more modern hardware and software technologies, incurring significant cost savings to the program by eliminating O&S costs for older systems. The program will include FCC obsolescence mitigation hardware design changes, FCC software update, system and aircraft level testing. FY27 funding supports the Stores Management System (SMS) Stores Management Processor (SMP) continuing design and development efforts required for the primary hardware and software development and integration in support of the obsolescence redesign. Development/procurement of 16 initial lab assets /Test Units for environmental qualification testing. The F/A-18E/F & EA-18G AYK-22 SMP functions as an interface between the aircraft mission computer and the aircraft weapons and external stores via the Station Control Units (SCU). The primary purpose of the SMP obsolescence redesign is to mitigate Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS). FY27 funding to support advancement of the Next Generation G5 Generator Control Unit (GCU), a critical effort to ensure sustained power generation capabilities for the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G platforms. Funding will enable continuation of non-recurring engineering through GE's NTI/NPI program, refinement of G5 prototype hardware, and use of the CuE/FG ground-based test system to accelerate development timelines and reduce reliance on costly flight testing. The G5 is being designed as a 90KVA DC Link system specifically sized for the F-18, with significant improvements over current systems in power density and integration. Development efforts will also address fit check findings and support interim mitigation planning, including GCU surveillance, load shedding procedures, and configuration-based restrictions to manage power demand. As G4 reliability is projected to degrade to 250-300 hours by the late 2030s and future weapon systems demand higher steady-state and instantaneous power, investment in G5 development during FY27 is essential to meet long-term operational requirements and ensure uninterrupted fleet readiness. This will be the last phase of developmental funding for G5. Phase 1 & 2 are fully funded; however, Phase 3 looks to kickoff in FY27 and run through 2031 .

**FY2026 to FY2027 change.** FY2026 to FY2027 decrease of $22.918M due to realignment of efforts of Stores Management System (SMS) Stores Management Processor (SMP) to align with current program requirements.

**FY2026 plans — current year.** FY26 funding supports the continued procurement for Flight Control Computer (FCC) Shop-Replaceable Assembly (SRA) hardware redesign, software development and test planning. The F/A-18E, F/A-18F and EA-18G FCC receives inputs from the aircraft sensors and provides full authority fly-by-wire aircraft control, true airspeed, true angle-of-attack, and relative air density to the Advanced Mission Computer (AMC). The FCC is currently impacted by multiple obsolete components; the Processor Module SRA and Mezzanine Card currently have 17 obsolete components. The FCC redesign effort mitigates Processor Module SRA and Mezzanine Card obsolescence and power growth requirements by leveraging existing industry designs and incorporating more modern hardware and software technologies, incurring significant cost savings to the program by eliminating O&S costs for older systems. The program will include FCC obsolescence mitigation hardware design changes, FCC software update, system and aircraft level testing. FY26 funding supports the Stores Management System (SMS) Stores Management Processor (SMP) continuing design and development efforts required for the primary hardware and software development and integration in support of the obsolescence redesign. Development/procurement of 16 initial lab assets /Test Units for environmental qualification testing. The F/A-18E/F & EA-18G AYK-22 SMP functions as an interface between the aircraft mission computer and the aircraft weapons and external stores via the Station Control Units (SCU). The primary purpose of the SMP obsolescence redesign is to mitigate Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS).

### Flight Plan Engineering / System Configuration Set Development and Integration

**FY2027 planned work.** Continue Flight Plan Engineering efforts to include F/A-18E/F and EA-18G improvements necessary for relevance and tactical supremacy, and sustainment of the advantage in advanced electronic attack in the Electromagnet Spectrum. Support efforts to advance capability identification, implementation study, and integration requirements in areas of Software Modernization and Cyber Hardening to protect our capabilities, Advanced Architecture to reduce capability timelines to the Fleet, Navy Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air system configuration set to support Navy Integrated Air and Missile Defense capability requirements, F/A-18 Cooperative Engagement Capability enhancements, and Manned-Unmanned Teaming. Continue to support Trade Studies expanding advanced technology and integration options in these areas, as well as explore new technologies in areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy.

**FY2026 to FY2027 change.** FY2026 to FY2027 increase of $4.9M due to supporting multiple trade Studies expanding advanced technology and exploring new technologies in areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy.

**FY2026 plans — current year.** Continue Flight Plan Engineering efforts to include F/A-18E/F and EA-18G improvements necessary for relevance and tactical supremacy, and sustainment of the advantage in advanced electronic attack in the Electromagnet Spectrum. Support efforts to advance capability identification, implementation study, and integration requirements in areas of Software Modernization and Cyber Hardening to protect our capabilities, Advanced Architecture to reduce capability timelines to the Fleet, Navy Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air system configuration set to support Navy Integrated Air and Missile Defense capability requirements, F/A-18 Cooperative Engagement Capability enhancements, and Manned-Unmanned Teaming. Continue to support Trade Studies expanding advanced technology and integration options in these areas, as well as explore new technologies in areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy.

### USMC Capability Upgrades

**FY2027 planned work.** Continue F/A-18 C/D pilot proficiency testing in support of Agile software capability releases. Begin developmental and operational test for the Hornet Integrated Test Team (ITT) capability upgrades as AUTOGCAS efforts complete.

**FY2026 to FY2027 change.** FY2026 to FY2027 decrease of $11.961M due to USMC priority realignment.

**FY2026 plans — current year.** Continue F/A-18 C/D pilot proficiency testing in support of Agile software capability releases. Begin developmental and operational test for the Hornet Integrated Test Team (ITT) capability upgrades as AUTOGCAS efforts complete.

### F/A-18 E/F/G Network Cyber Defense

**FY2027 planned work.** Complete development, integration and test of the NCD software solution for inclusion in CID&D 28.

**FY2026 to FY2027 change.** FY2026 to FY2027 decrease of $4.923M due to the majority of the software development efforts being completed in prior years, with remaining efforts of integration, regression and flight test efforts.

**FY2026 plans — current year.** Integration of the Network Cyber Defense solution. Continued integration delivery and deployment of SCS Agile Software.

## What is NOT on this page

Congressional marks, the R-2 mission description and acquisition strategy, the industry vs government split of the whole request, and related program elements are recorded at **program-element** grain — an NDAA mark lands on a PE, never on a project. They are at https://hitchintel.com/programs/0204136N.

## Source & machine access

- **Source:** FY2027 Department of the Navy RDT&E Budget Justification, Exhibits R-2/R-2A/R-3, PE 0204136N project 1662 (PB PB2027).
- **MCP:** `mcp.hitchintel.com` — `budget_get_program_element(pe="0204136N")`.

*HitchAI is an independent intelligence service, not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense. Budget figures are requests/estimates, not obligations.*