Pictures: Boeing rolls out EA-18G Growler F/A-18 electronic attack variant
The US Navy today rolled-out the first of two Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet test aircraft converted into EA-18G Growler airborne electronic-attack (AEA) variants (pictured below).The aircraft is the sucessor to the ageing EA-6B Prowler as a Mach 1.8 fighter jet escort and radar jammer. The Growler is fitted with an array of electronic warfare aids including ALQ-99, ALQ-79 and ALQ-218 jamming pods.
The EA-18G test aircraft is due to perform first flights in September.
Looks not bad, but the prop turbines on the jammer pods should be replaced by ram air turbines.
Ghetzler Aero-Power Ram Air Turbines for U.S. NAVY EA-18G “Growler”
Also notice the wing fences, which are new on the Superhornet.
Source of quoted text and pictures:
Flight International – 03/08/2006 – Pictures: Boeing rolls out EA-18G Growler F/A-18 electronic attack variant
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August 3, 2006 at 2:26 pm