The F-18 HORNET program represents a major Department of Defense aircraft acquisition program managed by the U.S. Navy. Based on the contract data spanning from 1985 to 2013, this program encompasses the procurement, maintenance, and ongoing development of the F/A-18 Hornet fighter aircraft platform. The program appears to cover the full spectrum of aircraft acquisition activities including airframes, engines, electronics, components, and associated support services.
The contract awards show significant prime contractor involvement from McDonnell Douglas Corporation (later Boeing), Raytheon Company, General Electric Company, and Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, with work primarily performed in St. Louis, Missouri; Goleta, California; and Lynn, Massachusetts. Contract values ranged from under $100,000 for component orders to over $290 million for major aircraft procurement, with typical contract durations of 1-5 years. The majority of contracts were awarded through the Naval Air Systems Command and Naval Inventory Control Point, predominantly as firm-fixed-price or cost-plus-incentive arrangements. Notable procurements included airframes, jet engines, electronic countermeasures equipment, communication systems, and aircraft tires. The data indicates minimal use of set-aside designations, with most contracts being full and open competition. Primary funding came through Navy appropriations, with contracts typically structured as either definitive contracts or delivery orders against existing agreements.