The EA-6B hasn’t had to carry 5 pods since ICAP II. ICAP II pods (ALQ-99F) can jam all bands (Band 1-10), although each pod is limited to two bands at a time. Speed must be at least 220 kts to drive pod generators, max speed 550 kts, Max 5.5 G.
The current ICAP III (also going on the EA-18G) jams specific frequencies and has improved ability to jam frequency hopping (current is broad band). Improvement is given as 30%.
Likewise the EA-18G doesn’t need to carry 5 pods. EA-18G pods are modified with an analog to digital interface and strengthened noses and tails for higehr G ratings.
EA-18G has improved blanking – it can use voice comms whilst communication jamming (fairly sure EF-111A was never fitted with comms jammer). The USQ-113 can jam IED, SAM datalinks. It can also send recorded messages.
The ALQ-218 ESM can geolocate an emitter and direct the APG-79 radar for a realtime SAR imager. These locations can then be passed over Link 16.
Block I loadouts (Sep 09) are:
2 AIM-120C, 2 drop tanks, 3 ALQ-99, 2 AGM-88 (SEAD, escort jammer)
2 AIM-120C, 3 drop tanks, 2 ALQ-99, 2 AGM-88 (ASuW)
Block II
Option to carry ASQ-228 ATFLIR instead of one AIM-120C (SAR can cue tgt pod – can then send imager over Link 16).
2 AIM-120C, 1 drop tank, 2 ALQ-99, 2 AGM-88, 2 AGM-154 (TST strike) – detect a popup threat and engage it immediately
Block III
2 AIM-120C, 2 drop tanks, SHARP recon pod – full spectrum surveillance. Uses onboard ESM to cue SHARP pod for standoff recon.
Future EA-18G upgrades are planned to include AGM-88E (2012), buddy stores, and ability to use IFF and Link 16 whilst comms jamming, pods are planned with ability to jam datalinks (over an improved frequency), GPS and IFF. AN eventually replacing the ALQ-99 pods with NGJ (either one or two pods which will be supersonic capable).
There is also some of the F/A-18E/F upgrades that will also be added. APG-79 upgrades ae planned to include a combined SAR/GMTI mode, electronic attack mode, electronics protection (nulls standoff jammers).
Sign In
