U.S. Navy to Replace Super Hornet and Growler Computer Components No Longer in Production

The U.S. Navy plans to replace components of the AN/AYK-22 weapons control processor that are no longer manufactured. The processor is used in F/A-18 Super Hornet fighters and EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft.

Defence Blog reported this, citing a procurement notice published on SAM.gov.

The upgrade is needed because the components are aging and some parts are no longer manufactured, making it increasingly difficult to maintain the existing equipment.

The AN/AYK-22 processor is part of the aircraft’s onboard systems and supports functions related to externally mounted weapons.

It processes data on installed equipment and enables interaction between the aircraft’s systems and its weapons.

The U.S. Navy is considering involving Boeing in the development and qualification of replacement components.
Other manufacturers have been invited to provide information about their capabilities by October 28, 2026.

Boeing plans to deliver the last newly built F/A-18 Super Hornet fighters to the U.S. Navy in 2027.

The existing aircraft are also being upgraded to the Block III configuration, which includes avionics improvements, enhanced tactical data exchange, and an increase in the airframe’s projected service life from 6,000 to 10,000 flight hours.

The upgrade also increases flight range and improves computing systems and communications. These changes enable faster data exchange with other aircraft and combat systems and help build a shared tactical picture.

The program also includes measures to reduce the fighter’s radar signature.

In April 2026, the U.S. Navy’s Fleet Readiness Center Southwest announced that it had completed the first full in-house upgrade of a Super Hornet to the Block III configuration.

During the 2030s, the Navy plans to transition its aviation squadrons to the full Block III configuration to keep the aircraft combat-capable in carrier aviation through at least the 2040s.