Wikipedia Seeking to fill the void now presented by the expected delay of the F-35 Lightning II strike fighting into United States naval service, Boeing has taken to a private venture to produce a "stealthified" version of its excellent carrier-based F/A-18E/F "Super Hornet" series under the project designation of "Advanced Super Hornet". The type will feature modular components retrofitted to the existing Super Hornet airframe in an attempt to lower its radar signature and overall profile while being a budget conscious solution to current USN needs. Key to the changes will be implementation of an enclosed weapons pod under the fuselage, use of Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFTs) and an all new "skin" coating along surfaces. On the whole, the airframe will remain largely the same and compatible with all current hardware and software systems in use. In August 2013, Boeing and Northrop Grumman conducted flight tests with a prototype of an Advanced Super Hornet with with conformal fuel tanks, an enclosed weapons pod and signature enhancements. In combination with other advanced capabilities to include enhanced engines, internal infrared search and track, and a next-gen cockpit, the Advanced Super Hornet offers domestic and international customers a menu of next-generation capabilities that will allow Super Hornets to outpace threats in the 2030+ anti-access, area-denial (A2/AD) environment – affordably. The successful flights proved the Super Hornet can outpace threats through 2040. Control: AG1/Brake:Air Brake AG2:Arresting Hook AG3:canard Wings AG4:Folding wings AG5:Open Canopy & ladder AG6:Keep level AG7:Eject