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In Detail ——  IMP – the CF18 Incremental Modernization Program ——

by Allan Ng M.Eng., P.Eng. (with ST Priestley)

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Canadian Defence Procurement  –  December 2003 The CF18 Incremental Modernization Program  –  In Detail Allan Ng reviews DND's CF18 fighter aircraft modernization plan  (Part 10) Some Conclusions on the CF18 Hornet Incremental Modernization Program As its name suggests, the Incremental Modernization Program will take years to complete, implemented in phases. Of course, the IMP does not represent the CF's sole effort to upgrade the Hornet. Over 20 years, equipment was added or changes introduced to improve CF18 performance and tailor capabilities (eg: the autonomous, GPS-linked ACMI wing- tip instrument pods introduced in 2002 to simplify air combat training – above). There are also myriad changes to be introduced as part of the IMP which have not be covered in this essay.  One such improvement is replacing '70s-technology cockpit displays. The existing monochrome cathode-ray tube monitors will be replaced with modern, flat-panel,  liquid-crystal displays (right). These displays by Navigation Systems (to be renamed as Northrop Grumman Canada) will also be fitted to Australian AF-18s. Keeping Our Fingers Crossed for the Future The CF18 has been in Canadian service for 20 years and, with the upgrades detailed above, the Hornet is slated to remain in CF squadron service for almost another 20 years. Based on the breadth and depth of the improvements in aircraft sensors, communications, navigation, and weapon systems, the current Incremental Modernization Program will likely succeed in putting the CF18 on-par or making it superior to virtually any aerial adversary that it is likely to face in those next two decades. What remains to be seen is whether or not future Canadian federal governments fund the complete CF18 modernization program. Or, will there be yet another shift in spending priorities.  There is an unfortunate history to many Canadian military upgrade programs –  witness the Leopard C2 main battle tank, the CF5 fighter, or HMCS Bonaventure, to name but a few.  Will that be the fate of the current CF18 IMP? Will this program be completed (at great expense and effort) only to see the CF18 Hornet retired from Canadian service soon afterward?  Only time will tell.