EA-18G Growler
Electronic Attack Aircraft
Boeing
A derivative of the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet, the EA-18G's highly
flexible design enables warfighters to perform an array of AEA missions,
operating from either the deck of an aircraft carrier or land-based
airfields. The EA-18G will replace the Navy's current aircraft carrier
based AEA platform, the EA-6B Prowler, that has been in service since
1971. The first production Growler will join the Navy's aircraft fleet
in 2008.
Boeing, acting as the weapon system integrator and prime contractor,
leads the EA-18G Growler industry team. Northrop Grumman is the
principal subcontractor and airborne electronic attack subsystem
integrator. The Hornet Industry Team will divide EA-18G production
across Boeing, Northrop Grumman, General Electric and Raytheon
manufacturing facilities. The SDD program concludes with an Initial
Operational Capability in 2009. Naval Air Systems Command PMA-265 is the
U.S. Navy acquisition office for the EA-18G.
The first EA-18G, known as aircraft EA-1, successfully completed its
maiden flight from Lambert International Airport in St. Louis on
August 16, 2006.
EA-1 is the first of two test aircraft built under a System Development
and Demonstration (SDD) contract Boeing signed with the Navy on Dec. 29,
2003.The aircraft will fly to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.,
later this year. In addition to flight testing, it will undergo
extensive ground testing in the Patuxent River anechoic chamber to
assess on-board radar, receiver and jammer compatibility and
performance. |
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Armored Fighting Vehicles