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EA-18G GrowlerPROGRAM DOSSIER

Definition: The EA-18G Growler is a U.S. twin-engine elec-tronic attack fighter based on the F/A-18F "Super Hornet" Block II. It is designed to replace the EA-6B "Prowler" and is produced by Boeing.

Features: The EA-18G is the same aircraft with the same software as the F/A-18F Super Hornet, except certain software features are dormant in the Super Hornet, and the Growler adds Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) equipment in the gun bay and in two wingtip pods. Consequently, the EA-18G re-tains the F/A-18F's air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities. However, it operates primarily in an AEA role, where its capa-

bility begins with the EA-6B's Improved Capability (ICAP) III collection of systems and is expanding over time.

The electronic warfare (EW) systems aboard the aircraft are designed to detect and jam threats along the entire radio frequency (RF) spectrum. The ALQ-218 AEA system comprises wideband receiver antennas in wingtip pods and an electron-ics pallet in the gun bay that detect, locate and identify incom-ing radio waves. The aircraft conducts suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) with up to five ALQ-99 tactical jamming pods, mounted under the wings or on the centerline, as well as AGM-88 High Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARMs). The electronics allow the Growler to jam enemy radars from stand-off distances or while escorting strike packages. An ALQ-227 communications countermeasures set locates, records, plays back and digitally jams enemy communications. An advanced tactical datalink and interference cancellation system al-lows the aircraft to communicate with friendly forces while conducting jamming operations. While primarily intended to protect friendly aircraft from enemy radars, the EA-18G also can contribute in air-to-air battles as well by conducting long-range, passive RF targeting.

Upgrades: At present, the major upgrade planned for U.S.

EA-18Gs is the replacement of the ALQ-99 pod with the Next Generation Jammer (NGJ). The ALQ-99's technology is over 45 years old and employs traveling wave tubes and other out-dated components. The NGJ will bring modern electronics, an internal, ducted, high-power ram air turbine and, most im-portantly, an active electronically scanned array (AESA) with Gallium Nitride transmitter units. The NGJ's combination of new technologies will produce far more powerful jamming signals over a broader range of frequencies. Its jamming beams will also be targeted and steerable, minimizing interference with friendly systems.

The NGJ will be developed and fielded in three increments. Increment 1 addresses mid-band frequencies such as those employed by most air defense systems. The $279 million development con-tract was awarded to Ray-theon in July 2013, with the intent to reach IOC by 2020 and produce at least 228 pods with Increment 1 capability. The first flight tests of a full prototype occurred in Octo-ber 2014. Increment 2 will address the low-frequency bands of the radio spectrum and is slated for IOC in 2022. Increment 3 will address high bands and is expected

to reach IOC in 2024. Neither Increment 2 nor 3 has received funding and both contracts are still open for competition.

Most other upgrades planned for the Growler are being im-plemented jointly with F/A-18E/Fs. However, one planned up-grade that is unique to the EA-18G, other than the NGJ, is the replacement of the Multi-Mission Advanced Tactical Terminal (MATT) with the Joint Tactical Terminal - Receiver (JTT-R). The JTT-R will receive the Integrated Broadcast Service and Common Interactive Broadcast waveforms via UHF satellite communications, allowing one system to receive multiple in-telligence feeds carrying near real-time threat and Blue Force Tracking data. Procurement began in FY13 and is scheduled to run through FY17.

Production, Delivery, Exports and Status: The U.S. Navy has procured 135 EA-18Gs. Delivery of production Growl-ers began on Sept. 25, 2007, and the aircraft entered full-rate production on Nov. 20, 2009. As of June 30, 2014, 101 of the U.S. Navy aircraft had been delivered. The Navy's FY15 budget did not contain funding for any further aircraft; however, 22 air-craft were included on the service's unfunded priorities list. On Dec. 9, 2014, as part of the 2015 Omnibus Spending Bill, the

Continued

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—Dan Katz

All Program Dossier data are excerpted from the Aviation Week Intelligence Network (awin.aviationweek.com). To learn how to

receive full access to dozens of updated online profi les of major international defense programs, call +1 646-291-6353 or email anne.mcmahon@aviationweek.com.

U.S. Congress approved $1.46 billion in procurement funding to cover the purchase of 15 additional EA-18Gs.

Currently, Australia is the only international user of the EA-18G. On February 27, 2009, the Australian Ministry of De-fense announced 12 of their 24 Super Hornets on order would be wired to handle the Growler AEA systems. On Aug. 23, 2012, the ministry announced those aircraft would be upgraded to EA-18Gs, but on May 2, 2013, it announced 12 new EA-18Gs would be procured instead and all 24 Super Hornets would be retained in their original confi guration. Under current plans, Australia's F-18 fl eet will consist of: 12 standard F/A-18Fs; 12 F/A-18Fs with provisions for AEA systems; and 12 EA-18Gs with full AEA systems.

The Growler continues to compete on the international mar-ket, including in Denmark, Canada and undisclosed countries

EA-18G Growler, (Continued)PROGRAM DOSSIER

in the Middle East. Before approval of the purchase of 15 U.S. Growlers in FY15, the aircraft's order book had enough busi-ness to keep the production line open through 2016, though Boeing was considering slowing Super Hornet and Growler production to allow the line to remain open through 2017.

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Specifications: EA-18G GrowlerDesignation: EA-18G

Name: Growler

Manufacturer: Boeing

Category/Type: Electronic Attack Fighter

Crew: 2

IOC: 2009

Dimensions and WeightsLength: 60 ft. 4 in. (18.5 m)

Wingspan: 42 ft. 10 in (13.1 m)

44 ft. 9 in. (13.7 m) with wingtip pods

Height: 15 ft. 10 in. (4.9 m)

Wing Area: 500 ft2

Aspect Ratio: 4

Weight (empty): 33,100 lb. (15,000 kg)

Weight (max take-off): 66,000 lb. (29,900 kg)

Fuel Capacity (Internal): 2024 ga. - 13,940 lb. (JP-5)

Fuel Capacity (External): 5 x 480-gal external drop tanks - 16,390 lb. (JP-5) total

Fuel Capacity (Max Total): 4,424 ga. - 30,300 lb. (JP-5)

PerformanceEngines: 2 x F414-GE-400

Thrust: 44,000 lb. combined

28,800 lb. combined without afterburners

Max Speed: 1,185 mph (1,900 kmh) at 37,000 ft.; Mach 1.8

Service Ceiling: 50,000+ ft.

Range: 1470 mi. (2xAIM-9)

Ferry Range: 1900 mi. (2xAIM-9, 3x480-gal tanks retained)

Combat Radius: 980 mi.+ (2xAIM-120, 3xALQ-99, 2xAGM-88, 2x480-gal drop tanks)

G-limit: +7.5/-3.0

WeaponsCannon: None

Hardpoints: 9 (3 fuselage, 6 underwing) + 2 wingtip stations occupied by ALQ-218 pods

Max External Stores: 17,750 lb.

Weapons Compatability: AIM-9; AIM-7; AIM-120

Mk 82/83/84 general purpose bombs

AGM-65 Maverick

GBU-10/12/16/22/24/27 Paveway II/III LGBs;

GBU-31/38 JDAM

CBU-59

AGM-154 JSOW; AGM-84E SLAM, AGM-84K SLAM-ER, AGM-158 JASSM

AGM-88 HARM

AGM-84 Harpoon

Source: Aviation Week Intelligence Network Continued

COPYRIGHT © 2014 PENTONCOPYRIGHT © 2015 PENTON

prepared by Dan K

atz

Specifications: EA-18G GrowlerAvionicsRadar: APG-79

Radar Warning Receiver: ALR-67(V)3

ALQ-218 Radar Warning Receiver / Electronic Support Measures / Electronic Intelligence (RWR/ESW/ELINT) pods

Electronic Countermeasures: ALQ-214(V)2

ALQ-99 tactical jamming pods

ALQ-227 Communications Countermeasures Set

ALE-50 towed decoy; ALE-55 fiber optic towed decoy planned

Chaff/Flare Dispensers: 4xALE-47

ALE-43 wide-area chaff dispenser planned

Other Avionics: ASQ-228 Advanced Targeting FLIR (ATFLIR)

Shared Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP)

Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JMHCS)

Unit cost: $77.0M flyaway (FY14 for production of 21 US aircraft)

$91.2M gross (FY14 for production of 21 US aircraft)

Notes: AAM = Air-to-Air Missile

LGB = Laswer-guided Bomb

JDAM = Joint Direct Attack Munition

JSOW = Joint Standoff Weapon

JASSM = Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM)

SLAM-ER = Standoff Land Attack Missile, Expanded Response

HARM = High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile

Source: Aviation Week Intelligence Network