// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
EA-18G Growler
The EA-18G Growler is a specialized military jet based on the F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter, designed for electronic warfare. Its main job is to jam enemy radar and disrupt communications to protect other aircraft during missions.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The Boeing EA-18G Growler is a carrier-based Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) aircraft derived from the F/A-18F Super Hornet, operated primarily by the U.S. Navy for electronic warfare (EW) and Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) missions. It utilizes integrated systems like the ALQ-99 tactical jamming pods and ALQ-218 receiver to detect, identify, locate, and suppress hostile radar and communication signals.
BACKGROUND
The Boeing EA-18G Growler is an American carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft, a specialized version of the two-seat Boeing 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 with the US Navy in late 2009. Australia has also purchased thirteen EA-18Gs, which entered service with the Royal Australian Air Force in 2017.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Growler
- Grizzly
- Jammer Jet
- Airborne Electronic Attack aircraft
- EW aircraft
- SEAD platform
- Electronic attack platform
USAGE NOTE
Though visually similar to a Super Hornet fighter, the Growler's primary mission is always electronic attack, often flying in a support role for other strike aircraft.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to EA-18G Growler.
The prime contractor responsible for the design, manufacturing, and final assembly of the EA-18G Growler aircraft, which is based on the F/A-18F Super Hornet airframe.
A principal subcontractor for the EA-18G, producing the center and aft fuselage sections. Crucially, they were the original integrator for the airborne electronic attack (AEA) suite.
Develops and produces critical systems for the Growler, including the APG-79 AESA radar, the ALQ-227 Communication Countermeasures Set, and the Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) pods (ALQ-249) which are replacing the legacy ALQ-99 system.
Manufactures the F414-GE-400 turbofan engines that power the EA-18G Growler, providing the necessary thrust and electrical power for its demanding electronic warfare missions.
A key developer of electronic warfare systems. The company, through its heritage components like EDO Corporation, was involved in the development and sustainment of the ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System pods used for many years on the Growler.
Provides advanced electronic warfare systems and countermeasures for the Growler, including the AN/ALE-55 Fiber-Optic Towed Decoy and the AN/ALQ-214 Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasures (IDECM) system.
As the primary operator, the U.S. Navy is a key driver of the Growler's development, defining requirements, funding upgrades, and developing the tactics, techniques, and procedures for its operational use through units like Air Test and Evaluation Squadron VX-9 and VX-23.