EA-6B Prowler replacement

The EA-6B will be nearing the end of its service life soon, so it’s time to start thinking of an successor. So far there are several options:

– F/A-18G “Growler”, based on Super Hornet
– EW version of JSF
– re-opening the EA-6B production line
– EW version of B-52H
– EW version of B-1B

The Super Hornet derivative seems to be the leading candidate so far. It would initially carry the ALQ-99 pods of the EA-6B, but will eventually carry a new pod for supersonic carriage on the centerline. Besides the jamming pods it can still carry A-A missiles for delf defence and HARMs or other weapons (like JSOW). The major drawback of this design is that it doesn’t offer commonality with the USAF which also needs new jamming a/c to replace the EF-111A.
An EW version of JSF would offer this kind of commonality, but I doubt if it could be designed in time (the EA-6B will have to be replaced in a little over 10 years). I heard plans that the EW version of JSF would carry its jamming equipment internally. I wonder if the JSF’s bomb bay is large enough for this equipment.

I’ve heard that the USAF is already working on a stand-off jammer version of the B-52, a prototype has already flown, allegedly. I wonder why the USAF chose the B-52 over the B-1B. IMHO the B-1B is a much more logical choice to form the basis of a jammer a/c, mainly because it has the speed and survivability to escort the strike package (as opposed to the B-52 which is planned to be used in the stand off role).

What are your thoughts on this subject??

Best regards,

Ference.