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    Super Hornet: An Evolutionary Step in Aerial Warfare with SM-6 Missile Integration

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    In a remarkable sighting that has set military technology forums abuzz, a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet has been observed with an unusual payload—a Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) surface-to-air missile.

    A U.S. Navy F/A-18C Hornet aircraft assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83 launches off the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) May 22, 2013, in the Arabian Sea. The ship was deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility to promote maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Lauren Booher/Released)

    While the aircraft’s markings were not visibly identifiable, photographer @StinkJet reported hearing radio communications associated with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 9. StinkJet suggests that the Super Hornet could potentially be affiliated with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 9.

    081101-N-0000C-001 GULF OF OMAN (Nov. 1, 2008) An F/A 18 Super Hornet, assigned to the “Blacklions” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213, flies over the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during flight operations. VFA-213 is assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8. The Theodore Roosevelt Strike Group is on a scheduled deloyment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, and is focused on reassuring regional partners of the United States’ commitment to security, which promotes stability and global prosperity. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Johnnie Caldwell/Released)

    This is not the first time the SM-6 has been mounted on a Super Hornet. A similar occurrence was documented in 2021.

    Consequently, conjecture arose regarding the potential adaptation of the weapon as a long-range air-to-air or anti-surface missile for the Super Hornet.

    100216-N-4236E-325 GULF OF OMAN (Feb.16, 2010) Cmdr. Thomas Bush, commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, executes a high-speed fly-by in an F/A-18C Hornet over the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) during a change of command ceremony. Bush was relieved by Cmdr. Benjamin Hewlett. Dwight D. Eisenhower is conducting a scheduled six-month deployment as a part of the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chad R. Erdmann/Released)

    Nevertheless, the US Navy has never officially confirmed any plans along these lines, leading to the notion that such developments are purely speculative.

    “The jet did three orbits above us and then left,” said @StinkJet, detailing his observation of the event.

    The RIM-174 Standard Extended Range Active Missile (ERAM), also known as the Standard Missile 6 (SM-6), plays a crucial role in the air defense capabilities of US Navy ships.

    Integrated into the Aegis Combat System, this weapon was specifically designed for extended-range anti-air warfare missions. However, it can also be utilized for terminal phase ballistic missile defense and as an anti-ship missile.

    081101-N-0000C-001 GULF OF OMAN (Nov. 1, 2008) An F/A 18 Super Hornet, assigned to the “Blacklions” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213, flies over the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during flight operations. VFA-213 is assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8. The Theodore Roosevelt Strike Group is on a scheduled deloyment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, and is focused on reassuring regional partners of the United States’ commitment to security, which promotes stability and global prosperity. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Johnnie Caldwell/Released)

    The SM-6 missile inherits its airframe from the SM-2ER Block IV (RIM-156A) missile while incorporating an active radar homing seeker derived from the AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile.

    With a remarkable speed of Mach 3.5, this weapon boasts a published range of 130 nautical miles.

    The Standard Missile 6 (SM-6), known as the Standard Extended Range Active Missile, significantly enhances the AEGIS Weapon System’s operational range.

    Beyond its extended range anti-air warfare role, the SM-6 also extends its capabilities to anti-surface warfare, enabling engagements against adversary ships.

    In a landmark event earlier this year, the weapon saw its inaugural combat deployment.

    F-18 Hornet flying over the clouds in Burnout mode, 6 jun, 2022, San Diego, California.
    F-18 Hornet flying over the clouds in Burnout mode, 6 jun, 2022, San Diego, California.

    The Department of Defense confirmed that on Jan. 30, the USS Carney successfully intercepted an anti-ship ballistic missile launched by Houthi rebels in the Gulf of Aden using the SM-6 missile.

    A US Marine F-18 Hornet of the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF), with vapor break around the aircraft, at America's Airshow 2023 in Miramar, California.
    A US Marine F-18 Hornet of the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF), with vapor break around the aircraft, at America’s Airshow 2023 in Miramar, California.

    Integration of the SM-6 onto the Super Hornet would not only expand the aircraft’s weapons portfolio but would also enhance the defensive and offensive reach of a naval task force.

    Relevant articles:
    U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet Spotted With SM-6 Missile Under Its Right Wing, The Aviationist
    Super Hornet Armed With SM-6 Missile Spotted Over California, The War Zone
    Global Naval Defense News Coverage, Naval News

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