By Kimberly Palmer, NerdWallet The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments. The start of a new year can bring a surge of motivation around setting new goals, including financial resolutions. One way to help those goals become reality, financial experts say, is to make them as specific as possible. Then, track your progress, while allowing flexibility for unexpected challenges. “It’s easier to track progress when we know where we are going,” says Sylvie Scowcroft, a certified financial planner and founder of The Financial Grove in Cambridge, Massachusetts. That’s why she encourages her clients to set clearly defined goals, often related to paying off a specific debt, saving a certain amount per month or improving their credit score. Here are more tips from financial experts about crafting 2025 financial goals : Trying to accomplish too much can feel overwhelming. Instead, pick your priorities, says Cathleen Tobin, CFP and owner of Moonbridge Financial Design in Rhinebeck, New York. She suggests focusing on those big, often emotionally-driven goals to find motivation. “It’s more compelling than just a number,” she says. For example, do you want to make sure you’re on track for retirement or save money for a house? “Start there.” Scowcroft says she sees clients get tripped up by selecting overly broad goals, such as “get better with money.” Instead, she encourages people to select specific action items, such as “sign up for a budgeting tool and set aside time each month to learn where my money is going.” That level of specificity provides direction so you know what steps to take next, she adds. For example, if your top priority is to become debt-free, then your specific goal might be to pay off an extra $200 of your debt balance each month. Tobin says labeling savings accounts so they correspond with goals can also help. An emergency fund could be named something like “Peace of mind in 2025,” so you remember why you’re saving every time you make a transfer. “It’s more motivating than just ‘emergency fund,’” Tobin says. Measuring your progress as the year unfolds is also a critical component of successful goal setting, Tobin says. She compares it to weight loss. If you want to lose 20 pounds by June, then you need to lose about a pound a week for the first six months of the year. Similarly, she says it helps to break savings goals into microsteps that specify what you need to do each week. Schedule a weekly or monthly check-in with yourself to make sure you are meeting those smaller goals along the way. You might want to review your debt payoff progress or check your credit score , for example. “Being able to break it down into steps that can be done each week or twice a month really helps,” Tobin says. If your goal is to save more money , then setting up an automatic transfer each month can help turn that goal into reality, as long as you know you have the money in your checking account to spare. “It reduces the mental load,” says Mike Hunsberger, CFP and owner of Next Mission Financial Planning in St. Charles, Missouri, where he primarily supports veterans and current members of the military. He recommends starting small to ease into the change. “I wouldn’t jump to double what you’re currently saving,” he says. For example, when it comes to saving in a retirement account, if you’re starting with a 3% contribution, you might want to bump it up to 4%, then slowly increase it from there. “My number one piece of advice is to start small, but make sure you scale over time,” Hunsberger adds. “Because it’s gradual, you probably won’t notice it impacting your lifestyle.” “Stay flexible,” Scowcroft says. “Part of it is just being kind to yourself and not being too rigid.” When unexpected challenges come up, such as a big unplanned expense, you might have to pause making progress on your goal and reset. You might even need to change your goal. Scowcroft says that doesn’t mean you “failed,” just that life changed your plans. Dwelling on any negativity won’t help your forward progress. Sharing your goals with a friend can also make it easier to reach them, Scowcroft says. “It really helps to have an accountability buddy,” she says. She suggests putting a regular “money date” with your friend on the calendar so you can ask each other how you’re doing, brainstorm any challenges or even budget together side-by-side . “It’s a fun excuse to meet up with a friend.” More From NerdWallet Kimberly Palmer writes for NerdWallet. Email: kpalmer@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @kimberlypalmer. The article The Secret to Making Successful Financial New Year’s Resolutions originally appeared on NerdWallet .A Fort Worth company that produces a line of lighter-than-air unmanned airships has earned a key certification from the Federal Aviation Administration, paving the way for widespread adoption of the technology. Galaxy Unmanned Systems LLC , a TechFW client, earned FAA certification for the first set of its line of unmanned airships weighing more than 55 pounds, marking a groundbreaking achievement in Advanced Air Mobility, according to the company. Advanced Air Mobility, or AAM, is a new sector of the aerospace industry which aims to safely and efficiently integrate highly automated aircraft into the current airspace infrastructure, according to the FAA. The FAA decision is important to Galaxy, but it also means other companies can begin development with similar technologies. “This certification isn’t just a win for Galaxy—it’s a breakthrough for the aviation industry,” Galaxy CEO Jason White said in a statement. “Our lighter-than-air technology airships represent the future of unmanned systems, combining autonomy, sustainability and unmatched operational flexibility.” The FAA approval covers Galaxy’s GC35-E2, GC35-E4 and GC50-E4 models – airships designed for extended operations, heavy payloads and integration into national airspace. The platforms open opportunities across commercial and defense applications, including: Surveillance: elevated, wide-area monitoring for security operations. Broadcasting: improved coverage for large-scale events. Event security: safeguarding festivals, rallies and high-profile venues. Counter-unmanned aircraft system operations: cost-effective detection and mitigation of rogue drones. Disaster relief: delivery of communication and situational tools to areas hit by natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes or fires. Search and rescue: enhanced aerial support for locating individuals. Get essential daily news for the Fort Worth area. Sign up for insightful, in-depth stories — completely free. Galaxy Unmanned Systems is led by brothers Tony and Jason White, who grew up flying remote-controlled aircraft, worked their way up through the commercial side of the unmanned aircraft systems industry, and then headed to the U.S. Department of Defense. Their combined more than 40 years of work includes concept, design, manufacturing, certification, testing, payload configuration, subsystem integration, documentation, training and operations. Galaxy’s certified airships are designed for industries requiring cost-effective solutions, and are uniquely suited for missions that traditional aircraft cannot fulfill, according to Jason White. “With this certification, we’re excited to continue our conversations and move forward as a partner with commercial and government leaders to explore their needs and our possibilities,” he said. Galaxy’s certification was a long process, going back over 17 years. In 2007, the FAA suspended commercial drone operations in the National Airspace System, halting Galaxy’s early advancements in unmanned airship technology, according to Jason White. That decision left hundreds of pioneering companies, including Galaxy, in limbo. “Momentum resumed in 2018 with regulatory updates, allowing exemptions for unmanned aircraft exceeding 55 pounds,” said Tony White, Galaxy’s COO. Galaxy has worked with research partners from the University of Texas at Arlington in developing its technology. Galaxy submitted its certification request in May 2024. “The FAA’s approval is the result of a lot of employee efforts, diligence and patience,” Tony White said in a statement. “We hope to push the boundaries of air mobility, pave the way for innovative operations in restricted airspace, delivering solutions that are safer, smarter, and more sustainable.” Bob Francis is business editor for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at bob.francis@fortworthreport.org. At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here . Related Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative for adhering to standards for ethical journalism . Republish This Story Republishing is free for noncommercial entities. Commercial entities are prohibited without a licensing agreement. Contact us for details. 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If you share our stories on social media, please tag us in your posts using @FortWorthReport on Facebook and @FortWorthReport on Twitter. by Bob Francis, Fort Worth Report December 19, 2024
Cetera Strengthens Executive Leadership to Propel Strategic Growth and Innovation
Dexter: Original Sin will take audiences back in time to find out how the man became the monster — er, the monster-slayer — in the Showtime thriller. The prequel series, which premieres on Paramount+ with Showtime on Friday, December 13, takes place 15 years before we first met Dexter (then played by Michael C. Hall , who still narrates the new series) in the original Dexter . Taking over the title role in this iteration is Patrick Gibson , who has the character’s steely-eyed stares and smug sauntering style down to a science. With new characters being introduced in some familiar settings, the new series will bring some new details about Dexter’s past to light, but it will also inevitably retread some familiar territory from the first show, which had ample flashbacks. Here’s what to remember about Dexter ‘s past before Dexter: Original Sin . Dexter had a secret biological brother Dexter didn’t find out until he was a fully grown serial murderer that he had a big brother who was also running around slaughtering people. The Ice Truck Killer who stalked Dexter was actually Brian Moser, his slightly older brother who was not adopted (or even mentioned) by Harry. Dexter only found out about Brian because the Ice Truck Killer left clues that were tailored to catch his attention — reminding him of scenes from his past as part of the Morgan family. His mother died in an unthinkable way Laura Moser was the single mother to Brian and Dexter and worked as a confidential informant for Harry and the Miami-Metro Police Department against the Colombian cartel. She was brutally dismembered right in front of Brian and Dexter, who were left wading in her blood inside a shipping container. Harry adopted Dexter as his own upon finding him in the container, but Brian was sent into the foster system. Dexter exhibited signs of a murderous tendency early on In flashbacks in Dexter , it became clear that he was not a normal teenager with typical feelings or tendencies. In fact, he had an innate bloodlust that his father recognized and tried to quell with hunting trips, to the exclusion of his daughter Debra. Harry wanted to protect Dexter from himself — particularly his self-destructive impulses. Related 'Dexter: Original Sin' Clip Reveals Dex's First Day on the Job His first kill was to protect his adoptive father Though Harry tried to find other ways for Dexter to quench his thirst for blood, so to speak, he soon gave in and encouraged him to kill someone when he discovered Nurse Mary was poisoning Harry and other patients in the hospital after his heart attack. Harry taught him the code, which he continued to live by as an adult Once Dexter began to kill, Harry worked hard to create a framework for his adoptive son to work within that, if he followed it to the letter, would keep his morality and freedom intact. The rules included being certain that the mark was worthy of being murdered and leaving no trace of evidence behind. Even after Harry’s death, Dexter worked to strictly adhere to this code in every kill. Randy Tepper/Showtime He had to fake being happy to fit in Dexter repeatedly revealed that he felt empty on the inside, and it was Harry who taught him to feign normal human feelings and social interactions around others — even if it meant faking a smile in his own family photos. His father had secrets, too Little by little throughout Dexter , we learn that Harry Morgan had several affairs while married to Doris, including with Laura Morgan and another confidential informant. His adoptive mother also died when he was young Though Harry is definitely the most common star of Dexter’s flashback memories, his adoptive mother Doris is also a fixture of his past. She died when Deb was 16 and didn’t know about Dexter’s violent tendencies, even if she didn’t totally understand him at times. Dexter: Original Sin , Series Premiere, Streaming, Friday, December 13, Paramount+ with Showtime, Sunday, December 15, 10/9c, Paramount+ with Showtime More Headlines: 8 Things to Remember About Dexter’s Childhood Before ‘Original Sin’ Ryan Seacrest Reveals Dating Status to Shocked ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Contestants Your Chance to Win ‘Blue Bloods’ Collector’s Issue Signed by Bridget Moynahan Holly Robinson Peete Makes ‘Home Alone’ Confession in ‘LEGO Masters Holiday Bricktacular’ Sneak Peek (VIDEO) ‘Jeopardy!’ Boss Announces Solution to Big Tournament of Champions Problem
By Kimberly Palmer, NerdWallet The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments. The start of a new year can bring a surge of motivation around setting new goals, including financial resolutions. One way to help those goals become reality, financial experts say, is to make them as specific as possible. Then, track your progress, while allowing flexibility for unexpected challenges. “It’s easier to track progress when we know where we are going,” says Sylvie Scowcroft, a certified financial planner and founder of The Financial Grove in Cambridge, Massachusetts. That’s why she encourages her clients to set clearly defined goals, often related to paying off a specific debt, saving a certain amount per month or improving their credit score. Here are more tips from financial experts about crafting 2025 financial goals : Trying to accomplish too much can feel overwhelming. Instead, pick your priorities, says Cathleen Tobin, CFP and owner of Moonbridge Financial Design in Rhinebeck, New York. She suggests focusing on those big, often emotionally-driven goals to find motivation. “It’s more compelling than just a number,” she says. For example, do you want to make sure you’re on track for retirement or save money for a house? “Start there.” Scowcroft says she sees clients get tripped up by selecting overly broad goals, such as “get better with money.” Instead, she encourages people to select specific action items, such as “sign up for a budgeting tool and set aside time each month to learn where my money is going.” That level of specificity provides direction so you know what steps to take next, she adds. For example, if your top priority is to become debt-free, then your specific goal might be to pay off an extra $200 of your debt balance each month. Tobin says labeling savings accounts so they correspond with goals can also help. An emergency fund could be named something like “Peace of mind in 2025,” so you remember why you’re saving every time you make a transfer. “It’s more motivating than just ‘emergency fund,’” Tobin says. Measuring your progress as the year unfolds is also a critical component of successful goal setting, Tobin says. She compares it to weight loss. If you want to lose 20 pounds by June, then you need to lose about a pound a week for the first six months of the year. Similarly, she says it helps to break savings goals into microsteps that specify what you need to do each week. Schedule a weekly or monthly check-in with yourself to make sure you are meeting those smaller goals along the way. You might want to review your debt payoff progress or check your credit score , for example. “Being able to break it down into steps that can be done each week or twice a month really helps,” Tobin says. If your goal is to save more money , then setting up an automatic transfer each month can help turn that goal into reality, as long as you know you have the money in your checking account to spare. “It reduces the mental load,” says Mike Hunsberger, CFP and owner of Next Mission Financial Planning in St. Charles, Missouri, where he primarily supports veterans and current members of the military. He recommends starting small to ease into the change. “I wouldn’t jump to double what you’re currently saving,” he says. For example, when it comes to saving in a retirement account, if you’re starting with a 3% contribution, you might want to bump it up to 4%, then slowly increase it from there. “My number one piece of advice is to start small, but make sure you scale over time,” Hunsberger adds. “Because it’s gradual, you probably won’t notice it impacting your lifestyle.” “Stay flexible,” Scowcroft says. “Part of it is just being kind to yourself and not being too rigid.” When unexpected challenges come up, such as a big unplanned expense, you might have to pause making progress on your goal and reset. You might even need to change your goal. Scowcroft says that doesn’t mean you “failed,” just that life changed your plans. Dwelling on any negativity won’t help your forward progress. Sharing your goals with a friend can also make it easier to reach them, Scowcroft says. “It really helps to have an accountability buddy,” she says. She suggests putting a regular “money date” with your friend on the calendar so you can ask each other how you’re doing, brainstorm any challenges or even budget together side-by-side . “It’s a fun excuse to meet up with a friend.” More From NerdWallet Kimberly Palmer writes for NerdWallet. Email: kpalmer@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @kimberlypalmer. The article The Secret to Making Successful Financial New Year’s Resolutions originally appeared on NerdWallet .
By Kimberly Palmer, NerdWallet The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments. The start of a new year can bring a surge of motivation around setting new goals, including financial resolutions. One way to help those goals become reality, financial experts say, is to make them as specific as possible. Then, track your progress, while allowing flexibility for unexpected challenges. “It’s easier to track progress when we know where we are going,” says Sylvie Scowcroft, a certified financial planner and founder of The Financial Grove in Cambridge, Massachusetts. That’s why she encourages her clients to set clearly defined goals, often related to paying off a specific debt, saving a certain amount per month or improving their credit score. Here are more tips from financial experts about crafting 2025 financial goals : Trying to accomplish too much can feel overwhelming. Instead, pick your priorities, says Cathleen Tobin, CFP and owner of Moonbridge Financial Design in Rhinebeck, New York. She suggests focusing on those big, often emotionally-driven goals to find motivation. “It’s more compelling than just a number,” she says. For example, do you want to make sure you’re on track for retirement or save money for a house? “Start there.” Scowcroft says she sees clients get tripped up by selecting overly broad goals, such as “get better with money.” Instead, she encourages people to select specific action items, such as “sign up for a budgeting tool and set aside time each month to learn where my money is going.” That level of specificity provides direction so you know what steps to take next, she adds. For example, if your top priority is to become debt-free, then your specific goal might be to pay off an extra $200 of your debt balance each month. Tobin says labeling savings accounts so they correspond with goals can also help. An emergency fund could be named something like “Peace of mind in 2025,” so you remember why you’re saving every time you make a transfer. “It’s more motivating than just ‘emergency fund,’” Tobin says. Measuring your progress as the year unfolds is also a critical component of successful goal setting, Tobin says. She compares it to weight loss. If you want to lose 20 pounds by June, then you need to lose about a pound a week for the first six months of the year. Similarly, she says it helps to break savings goals into microsteps that specify what you need to do each week. Schedule a weekly or monthly check-in with yourself to make sure you are meeting those smaller goals along the way. You might want to review your debt payoff progress or check your credit score , for example. “Being able to break it down into steps that can be done each week or twice a month really helps,” Tobin says. If your goal is to save more money , then setting up an automatic transfer each month can help turn that goal into reality, as long as you know you have the money in your checking account to spare. “It reduces the mental load,” says Mike Hunsberger, CFP and owner of Next Mission Financial Planning in St. Charles, Missouri, where he primarily supports veterans and current members of the military. He recommends starting small to ease into the change. “I wouldn’t jump to double what you’re currently saving,” he says. For example, when it comes to saving in a retirement account, if you’re starting with a 3% contribution, you might want to bump it up to 4%, then slowly increase it from there. “My number one piece of advice is to start small, but make sure you scale over time,” Hunsberger adds. “Because it’s gradual, you probably won’t notice it impacting your lifestyle.” “Stay flexible,” Scowcroft says. “Part of it is just being kind to yourself and not being too rigid.” When unexpected challenges come up, such as a big unplanned expense, you might have to pause making progress on your goal and reset. You might even need to change your goal. Scowcroft says that doesn’t mean you “failed,” just that life changed your plans. Dwelling on any negativity won’t help your forward progress. Sharing your goals with a friend can also make it easier to reach them, Scowcroft says. “It really helps to have an accountability buddy,” she says. She suggests putting a regular “money date” with your friend on the calendar so you can ask each other how you’re doing, brainstorm any challenges or even budget together side-by-side . “It’s a fun excuse to meet up with a friend.” More From NerdWallet Cage-Free Egg Supply Takes Outsized Hit As Bird Flu Surges 4 Ways to Hit Your Family Savings Goals in 2025 What Trended in Personal Finance in 2024? Kimberly Palmer writes for NerdWallet. Email: kpalmer@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @kimberlypalmer. The article The Secret to Making Successful Financial New Year’s Resolutions originally appeared on NerdWallet . 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Here’s why ‘Baby Driver’ actor Hudson Meek dead at 16 Pregnant woman stabbed multiple times by pizza deliverer disgruntled about tip, sheriff saysMr Carter, a former peanut farmer, served one term in the White House between 1977 and 1981, taking over in the wake of the Watergate scandal and the end of the Vietnam War. After his defeat by Ronald Reagan, he spent his post-presidency years as a global humanitarian, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. His death on Sunday was announced by his family and came more than a year after he decided to enter hospice care. He was the longest-lived US president. His son, Chip Carter, said: “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights and unselfish love. “My brothers, sister and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. “The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honouring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.” World leaders have paid tribute to Mr Carter, including US President Joe Biden, who was one of the first politicians to endorse Mr Carter for president in 1976 and said the world had “lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian”. He said: “Over six decades, we had the honour of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well. Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia. pic.twitter.com/aqYmcE9tXi — The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) December 29, 2024 “With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. “He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.” Irish President Michael D Higgins said Mr Carter was “a principled man who dedicated his life to seeking to advance the cause of peace across the world”. He added: “On behalf of the people of Ireland, may I express my sympathies to President Carter’s children and extended family, to President Joe Biden, to the people of the United States, and to his wide circle of colleagues and friends across the globe.” Mr Carter is expected to receive a state funeral featuring public observances in Atlanta and Washington DC before being buried in his home town of Plains, Georgia. A moderate democrat born in Plains in October 1924, Mr Carter’s political career took him from the Georgia state senate to the state governorship and finally, the White House, where he took office as the 39th president. His presidency saw economic disruption amid volatile oil prices, along with social tensions at home and challenges abroad including the Iranian revolution that sparked a 444-day hostage crisis at the US embassy in Tehran. But he also brokered the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, which led to a peace treaty between the two countries in 1979. After his defeat in the 1980 presidential election, he worked for more than four decades leading the Carter Centre, which he and his late wife Rosalynn co-founded in 1982 to “wage peace, fight disease, and build hope”. Under his leadership, the Carter Center managed to virtually eliminate Guinea Worm disease, which has gone from affecting 3.5 million people in Africa and Asia in 1986 to just 14 in 2023. Mrs Carter, who died last year aged 96, had played a more active role in her husband’s presidency than previous first ladies, with Mr Carter saying she had been “my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished”. Earlier this year, on his 100th birthday, Mr Carter received a private congratulatory message from the King, expressing admiration for his life of public service.
Quick Links Testing the US Navy's Super Hornets The Rhino's latest Block What are the new features? GE's engine enhancements Fear the Rhino's weaponry Block II vs Block III The future of the Boeing Super Hornets Boeing announced that the F/A-18 Super Hornet upgrades include a large area display and advanced Tactical Targeting Network Technology for more powerful computing, with a Distributed Targeting Processor-Networked DTP-N that reduces pilot workload by allowing evidence-based information on the new display. This open mission systems processor has the power to compute algorithms to manage any complex air combat. “These first deliveries of Block III SLM jets are a major milestone in our continued efforts to ensure capability, reliability, availability and maintainability of the Super Hornet aircraft,” said Capt. Michael Burks, program manager for the F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office . The aerospace giant has received the F/A-18 Block II for Service Life Modernization SLM , which will be upgraded to the new Block III configuration, adding an extra 4,000 flight hours. Boeing successfully delivered the first two upgraded fighters from its two facilities in St. Louis and San Antonio to the US Navy on June 27, 2024. On March 2024, The US Navy awarded Boeing a $1.3 billion contract for 17 F/A-18 Super Hornets and a technical data package. The contract was awarded to help address the strike fighter shortfall, with final delivery expected in spring 2027. The Navy also plans to convert 550 other Super Hornets to the Block III standard. Boosting US air capabilities in the region. Testing the US Navy's Super Hornets Boeing delivered its first two Block III Super Hornets to the US Navy for flight testing in June 2020 . It marked a shift from purchasing new jets from Boeing to focusing on developing the fourth-generation fighter jet. The Block III model is more "networked and survivable" than the Block II design, with five major design features: An advanced cockpit system that combines original displays into a glass touchscreen. Conformal fuel tanks for fuel-carrying and tanking capacity. A prominent flight service life. Radar cross-section improvements. An advanced networking infrastructure to aid the pilot in decision-making. The Navy announced that the funds for a multiyear purchase of Super Hornets from 2022 will be redirected to developing Air Dominance and other aviation wholeness investments. The decision to truncate the Super Hornet production line is about freeing up the Boeing production line and workforce to focus on the program, which would maintain the right balance of Super Hornets versus F-35 Fighters in the carrier air wing and deliver greater capability and service life on converted jets. “The Super Hornet remains a predominant aircraft in the carrier air wing and will continue to provide significant combat capability into the 2040s,” said Rear Adm. John Lemmon, Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft Programs. The Rhino's latest Block The Super Hornet, available in two models - the single-seat E and two-seat F - performs various tactical missions, including air superiority, precision-guided strikes, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy defenses, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control, and tanker missions. Its new strengthened airframe will extend the service life to more than 10,000 flight hours. What are the new features? The advanced Rhino offers operational advantages against technologically advanced systems and adversaries. Its advanced processing, networking, survivability, and range/payload capabilities provide an operational advantage. The Block III aircraft features an improved cockpit with a 10 in × 19 in (25 cm × 48 cm) large touchscreen display, updated integration, and targeting networks. It provides pilots with extraordinary payload flexibility. Its advanced data link and threat detection enable better data processing and transmission, operating in lightning and thunderstorm weather and cold temperatures. It also features an advanced cockpit system and long-wave Infrared Search & Track for long-range threat detection. Over 800 Super Hornets produced with over 10 million flight hours, tested and proven for regular upgrades, offer low procurement and total life cycle costs of approximately $19K USD per flight hour. GE's engine enhancements The modern General Electric afterburning turbofan features an enhanced performance engine (EPE) that boosts the power output of the F414-GE-400 by 20%. The F414 Enhanced Engine offers enhanced performance, survivability, and payload for the twin-engined F-18 Block III. The F414 can be retrofitted for improved component capability and reduced ownership costs. The US Navy has relied on the F414 engine for over 30 years, providing over 5 million engine flight hours and unrestricted operability. The F414 is also a potential powerplant for emerging platforms like the Korean KF-X KAI KF-21 Boramae, Indian Medium Combat Aircraft HAL Tejas Mk2, and Swedish Saab JAS 39E/F Gripen. Fear the Rhino's weaponry The aircraft features a next-generation cockpit, an internal infrared search and track system, and conformal fuel tanks. It also has an enclosed weapons pod (EWP) and a new missile warning system. It offers a day/night strike with precision-guided weapons, featuring 11 hardpoints distributed at the wingtips, under the wing, and under the fuselage. The new weapons pod can carry missiles and bombs with reduced radar lock risks. It can use shorter-range Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, AMRAAM, Joint Standoff Weapon, Small Diameter Bomb, and Mk-84 general-purpose bombs. Like Block II, it has a 20mm M61 rotary cannon and can carry the AGM-65 Maverick missile, AGM-84 Harpoon ship-killing missile, and AGM-88 HARM anti-radar missile. Air-to-air missiles Air-to-surface missiles AIM-7 Sparrow AGM-158 JASSM AIM-9 Sidewinder AGM-158C LRASM AIM-120 AMRAAM AGM-84H/K SLAM-ER AIM-260 JATM AGM-154 JSOW AIM-174B AGM-88 HARM AGM-84 Harpoon AGM-65E/F Maverick The jet can also carry the ADM-141A/B TALD decoy missile and the Raytheon AN/ALE-50 towed decoy system, an electronic countermeasure tool designed to protect US military aircraft from radar-guided missiles to confuse and saturate enemy air defenses, allowing attacking aircraft and weapons a higher probability of penetrating the target. This heavy lifting, which exceeds 17,000 lb (7711 kg), is useful for fleet defense missions, early warning missions, electronic surveillance, and tankers. Block II vs Block III The fourth-generation fighter, a 20% larger and 7,000 lbs heavier aircraft than the prior Hornets, offers increased capability and functionality. Its additional hardpoints and powerful engines enable it to carry more ordnance and expand its range. With most internal improvements, one visible change is incorporating conformal fuel tanks, which attach directly to the fuselage, reducing drag. Another advantage of the Block IIIs is increased lifespan, improving flight time between training and deployments. Feature Block II Block III Data Link Multi-Functional Information Distribution System MIDS Tactical Targeting Network Technology TTNT Conformal Fuel Tanks N/A Available, increasing range Mission Computer Advanced Mission Computer AMC Distributed Targeting Processor-Networked DTP-N, 17 times more powerful Service Life 6,000 Flying hours 10,000 Flying hours The future of the Boeing Super Hornets Boeing and Northrop Grumman financed the Advanced Super Hornet program, which features a 50% reduction in frontal radar cross-section, conformal fuel tanks CFT, and an enclosed weapons pod. The new block could be integrated into the EA-18 Growler to reduce underwing space and lower drag margin for the Next Generation Jammer . The F/A-18E/F mission allows combatant commanders to conduct offensive and defensive air combat missions, attack ground targets using the US inventory of precision and non-precision weapon stores, provide in-flight refueling for other tactical aircraft, and offer organic tactical reconnaissance capabilities. Australia and Kuwait have acquired earlier Super Hornets, but Australia is transitioning to F-35A fighter jets, and Kuwait has ordered Eurofighter Typhoon jets. Canada has halted the Boeing F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet from its Future Fighter Capability Project FFCP competition. The decision was made after rigorous evaluations of proposals based on capability, cost, and economic benefits. The US Navy's Hornet has an exceptional legacy of performance that has made it the jet of choice for the flat-top fleet in the modern era.
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