Super Hornet: Why so many critics?

[Aussie Digger]

True, though there are other options than soley US for EWSP equipment. Australia's Hornets for instance are being re-equipped with an Australian designed and manufactured Radar Warning Receiver, (ALR-2002) Israeli (internal) jamming equipment (not currently specified though probably manufactured by Elta) and a Swedish countermeasure dispensing system (BOL).

These components make up the majority of the ECM system on the Hornet, with only the Missile Approach warning system and Laser warning system (I believe) of US origin...

 

[Awang se]

True, though there are other options than soley US for EWSP equipment. Australia's Hornets for instance are being re-equipped with an Australian designed and manufactured Radar Warning Receiver, (ALR-2002) Israeli (internal) jamming equipment (not currently specified though probably manufactured by Elta) and a Swedish countermeasure dispensing system (BOL).

These components make up the majority of the ECM system on the Hornet, with only the Missile Approach warning system and Laser warning system (I believe) of US origin...

i hope that's true, i do hear a swedish contract for the RMAF but i'm not sure wether it is for F/A-18 or for the RF-5E.

i hear a purchase of F/A-18E/F will come along with AIM-120 AMRAAM as it's standard outfit, is it true? can SH carry sparrow instead?

 

[highsea]

All E/F's can carry the AIM-7 Sparrow, but the missile need some minor modifications- a new launch lug, some replacement bolts and a new safety wire. The modification is the ATM-7. The launch lug has a 200 hour replacement cycle, and the missile has an NDT at 175 hours (inspection for cracks around the control section housing).

There were problems with the AIM-7 in testing due to underwing turbulence that required a relocation of the pylons.