Boeing EA-18G Growler

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_EA-18G_Growler

The Boeing EA-18G Growler is an American carrier-based electronic warfare
aircraft, a specialized version of the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet. The EA-18G
replaced the Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowlers in service with the United States
Navy. The Growler's electronic warfare capability is primarily provided by
Northrop Grumman. The EA-18G began production in 2007 and entered operational
service in late 2009.

On 15 November 2001, Boeing successfully completed an initial flight
demonstration of F/A-18F "F-1" fitted with the ALQ-99 electronic warfare system
to serve as the EA-18 Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) concept aircraft. In
December 2003, the US Navy awarded a development contract for the EA-18G to
Boeing. As primary contractor, Boeing was to construct the forward fuselage,
wings and perform the final assembly. Northrop Grumman was the principal
airframe subcontractor and they would supply the center and aft fuselage as well
as the principal electronic combat system. In 2003, the Navy expected to receive
90 EA-18Gs.

The Growler's flight performance is similar to that of the F/A-18E/F. This
attribute enables the Growler to perform escort jamming as well as the
traditional standoff jamming mission (Radar jamming and deception). Growlers
will be able to accompany F/A-18s during all phases of an attack mission. In
order to give the Growler more stable flight for the electronic warfare mission,
Boeing changed the leading edge fairings and wing fold hinge fairings, and added
wing fences and aileron "tripper strips".


Role
Electronic warfare aircraft

National origin
United States

Manufacturer
Boeing

First flight
15 August 2006

Introduction
22 September 2009

Status
In service

Primary users
United States Navy
Royal Australian Air Force

Produced
2004–present

Number built
100, as of May 2014

Unit cost

US$68.2 million (flyaway cost, FY2012)


Developed from
Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet

The Growler has more than 90% in common with the standard Super Hornet, sharing
airframe, Raytheon AN/APG-79 AESA radar and weapon systems such as the AN/AYK-22
stores management system. Most of the dedicated airborne electronic attack
equipment is mounted in the space that used to house the internal 20 mm cannon
and on the wingtips. Nine weapons stations remain free to provide for additional
weapons or jamming pods. The added electronics include AN/ALQ-218 wideband
receivers on the wingtips and ALQ-99 high and low-band tactical jamming pods.
The ALQ-218 combined with the ALQ-99 form a full spectrum electronic warfare
suite that is able to provide detection and jamming against all known
surface-to-air threats. However, the current pods may be inadequate against
emerging threats.

The first Growler for fleet use was officially accepted by VAQ-129 "Vikings" at
NAS Whidbey Island, on 3 June 2008. The Navy planned to buy approximately 85
aircraft to equip 11 squadrons as of 2008. The EA-18G completed operational
evaluation in late July 2009. The Growler was rated operationally effective and
suitable for operational use. On 5 August 2009, EA-18G Growlers from Electronic
Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ-129) and Electronic Attack Squadron 132 (VAQ-132)
completed their first at-sea carrier-arrested landing aboard the USS Harry S.
Truman (CVN-75).

The first deployable EA-18G squadron is to be VAQ-132 "Scorpions", which reached
operational status in October 2009. The first Growler operational deployment was
announced on 17 February 2011. In service, the EA-18's radio name during flight
operations will be "Grizzly". The "Growler" nickname sounded too much like the
EA-6B's "Prowler" name, so "Grizzly" will be used to avoid confusion. By May
2011, 48 Growlers had been delivered to the U.S. Navy.

With the termination of the EB-52H standoff jammer, the Growler became the sole
remaining manned tactical jammer. Air Staff requirements director Maj. Gen.
David Scott has indicated that the USAF will seek to provide electronic warfare
officers to fly on U.S. Navy Growlers, without providing funding to purchase
additional aircraft. U.S. Air Force personnel of 390th Electronic Combat
Squadron stationed at NAS Whidbey Island have been supporting and flying the
Growler.

The EA-18G was first used in combat during Operation Odyssey Dawn, enforcing the
UN no-fly zone over Libya in 2011. Five EA-18Gs were redeployed from Iraq to
support operations in Libya in 2011.

Specifications (EA-18G Growler)

General characteristics
Crew: 2
Length: 60 ft 1.25 in (18.31 m)
Wingspan: 44 ft 8.5 in (13.62 m) (including wingtip-mounted pods)
Height: 16 ft (4.88 m)
Wing area: 500 ft2 (46.5 m2)
Empty weight: 33,094 lb (15,011 kg)
Loaded weight: 48,000 lb (21,772 kg) ; recovery weight
Max. takeoff weight: 66,000 lb (29,964 kg)
Internal fuel capacity: 13,940 lb (6,323 kg)
External fuel capacity: (3 x 480 gal tanks): 9,774 lb (4,420 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × General Electric F414-GE-400 turbofans Dry thrust: 14,000 lbf
(62.3 kN) each
Thrust with afterburner: 22,000 lbf (97.9 kN) each


Performance
Maximum speed: Mach 1.8 (1,190 mph, 1,900 km/h) at 40,000 ft (12,190 m)
Range: 1,275 nmi (2,346 km) ; clean plus two AIM-9s
Combat radius: 390 nmi (449 mi, 722 km) ; for interdiction mission
Ferry range: 1,800 nmi (2,070 mi, 3,330 km) ; range without ordnance
Service ceiling: 50,000 ft (15,000 m)
Wing loading: 92.8 lb/ft2 (453 kg/m2)
Thrust/weight: 0.93

Armament

Guns: None
Hardpoints: 9 total: 6× under-wing, and 3× under-fuselage with a capacity of
17,750 lb (8,050 kg) external fuel and ordnance
Notes: The two wingtips missile launcher rail for AIM-9 Sidewinder, found on the
E/F Super Hornet, have been replaced with AN/ALQ-218 detection pods, six
removable under wing mounted hard points (inboard pylons will carry 480 gal fuel
tanks, mid-board pylons will carry AN/ALQ-99 High Band Jamming Pods, and
outboard pylon reserved for AGM-88 HARM missiles), two multi-mode conformal
fuselage stations (AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles), 1 centerline fuselage removable
hardpoint, for AN/ALQ-99 Low Band Jamming Pod. Weapons employment: Currently,
Phase I of the Growler will carry the AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles for
self-protection at the two conformal fuselage stations and AGM-88 HARM missiles.
The A/A-49A-2 gun system with the 20 mm M61A2 cannon has been removed and
replaced by a pod of electronic boxes that control the AN/ALQ-218 and assist
with the coordination AN/ALQ-99 jamming attacks.

According to the possible weapon configurations which were revealed, EA-18G
would also be capable of performing "time-sensitive" strike missions, carrying
AGM-154 JSOW under wings, or multi-sensor reconnaissance missions with SHARP and
AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR on centerline and left conformal weapon stations,
respectively.



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