An F/A-18E from VX-23 launches from the ski jump installation at Patuxent River. (Photo: Boeing) The F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter has successfully demonstrated that it can take off from a ski jump, Boeing has revealed in a press release and video. The trials were most likely undertaken sometime in the summer at the U.S. Navy’s principal test base at NAS Patuxent River in Maryland and were performed by the test and evaluation unit VX-23 “Salty Dogs”. The trials validated the results from extensive simulation studies, and are aimed at supporting Boeing's bid to sell the Super Hornet to the Indian Navy.