A-18E

On the defense, space and security programs side, most of Boeing's orders were for the F/A-18E/F and EA 18-G fighter jets.

Boeing's Deliveries Edge Lower Tess Stynes 2011

Most deliveries under its defense, space and security programs were F/A-18E/F and EA-18G fighter jets, followed by new builds of Chinook helicopters.

Boeing Slows 787 Deliveries, Raises View Peter Sanders 2011

Alternative fighter jets like the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet continue to be effective, so cutting the F-35's Navy and Marine variants--while allowing the Air Force to keep its entire buy--would help control spiraling costs in the program without compromising American air superiority.

Lawrence Korb: Open Letter to the Super Committee Lawrence Korb 2011

In contrast, the U.S. is buying 28 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets for an APUC of $86 million--around 60% of the APUC of the F-35C.

Project On Government Oversight: JSF Likely Far More Expensive Than Aircraft They're Replacing Project On Government Oversight 2011

We created the TacAir house of cards with expedient decisions to rush the F-22 and F/A-18E/F into development, and we have wasted almost a decade chasing the engineering equivalent of a free lunch.

Winslow T. Wheeler: Joint Strike Fighter: We Were Told This Would Happen 2009

F-22 and F/A-18E/F, respectively, into engineering and manufacturing development

Winslow T. Wheeler: Joint Strike Fighter: We Were Told This Would Happen 2009

What they do have is a proven aircraft in the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

Rob Diamond: Bridging the Fighter Gap -- U.S. Navy Has Solution: Buy More Super Hornets! 2009

So, it appears that Stevie and the Gang are getting to the short strokes of the decision-making process: Canada is working to bring forward a decision on its new fighter to later this year, with the Lockheed Martin-led F-35 Joint Strike Fighter facing ostensible competition from the Boeing F/A-18E/F, Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab Gripen NG Next Generation.

The CF-18 replacement Edstock 2009

Fortunately, the answer to that question is not complicated: Buy more F/A-18E/F Super Hornets.

Rob Diamond: Bridging the Fighter Gap -- U.S. Navy Has Solution: Buy More Super Hornets! 2009

Planners panicked and rushed the F/A-18E/F into EMD, claiming it was a low-risk modification to the F/A-18C and did not need a prototype.

Winslow T. Wheeler: Joint Strike Fighter: We Were Told This Would Happen 2009