On August 5, 2013 the F/A-18F Advanced Super Hornet prototype (BuNo 168492) completed its maiden flight. Produced by Boeing and Northrop Grumman the ASH received engines increasing performance from 22,000 pounds to 26,400 pounds of thrust per engine. Conformal fuel tanks were added to carry 3,500 pounds of fuel. There is provision for an Enclosed Weapons Pod (EWP) carrying 2,500 pounds of weapons internally and the cockpit is updated. The aircraft was given a special paint to reduce radar cross-section making it more stealthy and capable of performing well into the 2030s.
F/A-18E 165536 spent time with VX-31 “Dust Devils” and later VX-23 “Salty Dogs”. In early 2018 this aircraft joined two other F/A-18s for the filming of the movie “Top Gun: Maverick” as a “Hero Jet” for Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. When filming finished it was sent to be converted for duties with the “Blue Angels” aerobatic team. Next the aircraft went to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23). On July 27, 2020 165536 was the first F/A-18E to join the “Blue Angels” and received the #1.