Navy Has Planned AN/AYK-22 Processor Redesign

The U.S. Navy intends to task Boeing with updating the critical component used in F/A-18 and EA-18G aircraft.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Semiconductors

Isometric editorial illustration of modular geometric industrial electronic components, symbolizing aerospace engineering and technical component redesign. — The U.S. Navy intends to award Boeing a contract to redesign the AN/AYK-22 processor for F/A-18 and EA-18G aircraft to resolve obsolescence issues. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The U.S. Navy has announced its intent to award Boeing a contract to redesign the AN/AYK-22 Stores Management Processor. The decision comes as the processor, which controls weapons and external stores on F/A-18 and EA-18G jets, has become unsupportable due to component obsolescence.

Why it matters

Updating this processor is necessary to maintain the operational readiness of the fleet as original electronic components are no longer available. The project aligns with broader efforts to extend the airframe life of existing aircraft through the 2030s.

The Navy previously paid $16.7 million for production line shutdown planning in St. Louis. Service Life Modification programs are currently targeting a total airframe life of 10,000 flight hours.

The players

U.S. Navy

The branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for naval operations and maintaining the readiness of maritime aircraft.

Boeing

An American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, satellites, and missiles.

The details

The Navy issued a sources-sought request to determine if other firms possess the capability to perform the complex engineering work required for the update. Boeing currently manages the production lines for the Super Hornet, with final new aircraft deliveries scheduled for 2027.

The Navy ordered 17 Super Hornet jets in 2024.
A $16.7 million payment for shutdown planning was made in September 2026.
The notice to award the redesign contract was issued on October 9, 2026.
Capability statements from interested firms are due by October 28, 2026.
Boeing is scheduled to deliver its final new Super Hornet aircraft in 2027.

Roadmap

This effort reflects the transition from manufacturing new aircraft to sustaining aging fleets as production lines for models like the Super Hornet wind down. It underscores a strategic pivot toward component modernization to keep legacy airframes operational against modern rivals.

This contract will not change daily flight operations but ensures the long-term reliability of systems controlling onboard weaponry. Future maintenance schedules for these aircraft will reflect these updated internal components as the military works to extend the airframe service life.

The takeaway

Maintaining legacy aircraft requires ongoing investments in component redesigns to bypass hardware obsolescence. Proactive engineering ensures that high-performance airframes can remain in service for decades beyond their original design life.