Boeing EA-18G Growler
Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox aircraft
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.
Development
Requirement and testing
On 15 November 2001, Boeing successfully completed an initial flight demonstration of F/A-18F "F-1" fitted with the ALQ-99 electronic warfare system to serve as the EA-18 Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) concept aircraft.<ref>"Boeing Successfully Completes Initial Flight Demonstration of EA-18 Airborne Electronic Attack Variant." Template:WebarchiveBoeing, 15 November 2001. Retrieved: 15 July 2011.</ref> In December 2003, the US Navy awarded a development contract for the EA-18G to Boeing. As primary contractor, Boeing was to construct the forward fuselage and wings, and perform the final assembly. Northrop Grumman was the principal airframe subcontractor and they would supply the center and aft fuselage as well as the principal electronic combat system.<ref name=EA-18G_IOC>Template:Citation</ref><ref name="9.6 Billion">"Navy Awards Boeing $9.6 Billion in Super Hornet and EA-18G Contracts." Template:Webarchive Boeing, 29 December 2003. Retrieved: 15 July 2011.</ref> In 2003, the Navy expected to receive 90 EA-18Gs.<ref name="N239a.ppt">"Next Generation Jammer." Template:Webarchive DTC.mil, 9 October 2003.</ref>
The first EA-18G test aircraft entered production on 22 October 2004.<ref>"Boeing Begins Work on First EA-18G Test Aircraft." Template:Webarchive Boeing, 21 October 2004. Retrieved: 15 July 2011.</ref> The first test aircraft, known as EA-1, was rolled out on 3 August 2006, before making its maiden flight at St. Louis on 15 August 2006; it was later ferried to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland on 22 September 2006.<ref>"Boeing rolls out first EA-18G Growler." Template:Webarchive Boeing, 4 August 2006.</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> EA-1 primarily supports ground testing in the Air Combat Environment Test and Evaluation Facility (ACETEF) anechoic chamber.
The second aircraft (EA-2) first flew on 10 November 2006,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and was delivered to NAS Patuxent River on 29 November 2006.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> EA-2 is an AEA flight test aircraft, initially flying on Pax River's Atlantic Test Range (ATR) for developmental test of the AEA system before transitioning to the Electronic Combat Range (ECR, or 'Echo Range') in Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in California. Both aircraft are assigned to VX-23 "Salty Dogs". EA-1 and EA-2 are F/A-18Fs F-134 and F-135, pulled from the St. Louis production line and modified by Boeing to the EA-18G configuration. However, since they were not built initially as Growlers, the Navy has designated these two test aircraft as NEA-18Gs.<ref>Parsch, Andreas. "DOD 4120.15-L – Addendum." Template:Webarchive Designation-Systems.net, 8 July 2008. Retrieved: 15 July 2011.</ref> There were five Growlers flying in the flight test program as of June 2008.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Procurement
In an April 2006 report, the US Government Accountability Office expressed concerns. The GAO felt the electronic warfare systems on the EA-18G were not fully mature so there is a risk of "future cost growth and schedule delays". The report recommended that the DoD consider purchasing additional ICAP III upgrades for EA-6Bs to fill any current and near-term capability gaps and restructure the initial EA-18G production plans so that procurement takes place after the aircraft has "demonstrated full functionality".<ref name=GAO-06-446>"GAO-06-446, 'Option of Upgrading Additional EA-6Bs Could Reduce Risk in Development of EA-18G'." Template:Webarchive Government Accountability Office, April 2006. Retrieved: 15 July 2011.</ref> In a 2008 GAO report, the director of the DoD's Operational Test and Evaluation department questioned the workload on the two-person Growler crew to replace the Prowler's crew of four.<ref>GAO-08-467SP "Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs." Template:Webarchive GAO, 31 March 2008.</ref>
The U.S. Navy has ordered a total of 57 aircraft to replace its in-service EA-6B Prowlers, most of which are based at NAS Whidbey Island. The US DoD gave approval for the EA-18G program to begin low rate initial production in 2007.<ref>Fabey, Michael. "Growler passes Milestone C, goes to low-rate initial production" (log-in required).Template:Dead link Aerospace Daily & Defense Report, 19 July 2007. Template:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore</ref> The EA-18G was scheduled to finish flight testing in 2008.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Navy planned to buy approximately 85 aircraft in 2008.<ref name=Navy_Welcomes>"Navy Welcomes New Era of Electronic Warfare." Template:Webarchive US Navy, 4 June 2008.</ref> Approval for full-rate production was expected in the third quarter of 2009,<ref name=Ready_for_Ops/> and was given on 23 November 2009. Boeing planned to ramp up production to 20 aircraft per year.<ref>"Boeing EA-18G Growler to Advance to Full Rate Production." Template:Webarchive Boeing, 30 November 2009. Retrieved: 15 July 2011.</ref> On 9 July 2009, General James Cartwright told the United States Senate Committee on Armed Services that the choice had been to continue the F/A-18 production line because the warfighting commanders needed more aerial electronic warfare capability that only the EA-18G could provide.<ref>"Cartwright Talks F-22, Advocates JROC Changes."Template:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore defensenews.com. Retrieved: 29 August 2012.</ref>
The Navy's submission for the 2011 defense budget put forth by the Obama administration calls for four EA-18G Growler squadrons to be added to the fleet.<ref>"Navy budget includes 9 ships, kills CG(X)." navytimes.com, February 2010. Retrieved: 29 August 2012.</ref> On 14 May 2010, Boeing and the US Department of Defense reached an agreement for a multi-year contract for an additional 66 F/A-18E/Fs and 58 EA-18Gs over the next four years. This will raise the total to 114 EA-18Gs on order.<ref name=FG_new_purchase>Trimble, Stephen. "US DoD agrees to buy 124 F/A-18E/Fs and EA-18Gs over 4 years." Template:Webarchive Flightglobal, 14 May 2010. Retrieved: 15 July 2011.</ref>
The Pentagon's Director of Operational Test and Evaluation determined that the EA-18G was "still not operationally suitable" in February 2011. Prime contractor Boeing is working to address issues with software updates.<ref>Fabey, Michael. "U.S. Navy, Pentagon Debate EA-18G Growler."Template:Dead link Aviation Week, 3 February 2011. Retrieved: 15 July 2011.</ref> In December 2011, Operational Test and Evaluation concluded that the EA-18G software was "operationally effective and suitable".<ref name="RCS: DD-A&T(Q&A)823-378">"Selected Acquisition Report (SAR), EA-18G." Template:Webarchive DOD, 31 December 2011. Retrieved: 9 August 2012.</ref>
On 19 December 2014, the Navy publicly reported that it wants to modify the production contract with Boeing to slow production of the Growler from three airplanes per month to two. It will also purchase an additional 15 Growlers, funded by a spending bill that will go to President Obama for signature in late December 2014. Boeing would then be able to continue running the St. Louis production line through 2017. Boeing has said it cannot sustain the production line at fewer than two airplanes per month.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Update-inline
Design
The Growler's flight performance is similar to that of the F/A-18E/F. This attribute enables the Growler to perform escort jamming as well as the traditional standoff jamming mission (radar jamming and deception). Growlers are able to accompany F/A-18s during all phases of an attack mission.<ref name=Boe_EA-18G>"EA-18G Airborne Electronic Attack Aircraft." Template:Webarchive Boeing. Retrieved: 15 July 2011.</ref> In order to give the Growler more stable flight for the electronic warfare mission, Boeing changed the leading edge fairings and wing fold hinge fairings, and added wing fences and aileron "tripper strips".<ref>Croft, John. "EA-18G “Growler”: New platform and capabilities set to un-level the SEAD playing field." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 8 July 2008.</ref>
The Growler has more than 90% in common with the standard Super Hornet, sharing airframe, Raytheon AN/APG-79 AESA radar and weapon systems such as the AN/AYK-22 stores management system. Most of the dedicated airborne electronic attack equipment is mounted on a plate in the space that used to house the internal 20 mm cannon and on the wingtips. Nine weapons stations remain free to provide for additional weapons or jamming pods.<ref name=Boe_EA-18G_overv>Template:Cite web</ref> The added electronics include AN/ALQ-218 wideband receivers on the wingtips and ALQ-99 high and low-band tactical jamming pods. The ALQ-218 combined with the ALQ-99 form a full spectrum electronic warfare suite that is able to provide detection and jamming against all known surface-to-air threats.<ref name=Boe_EA-18G/> However, the current pods may be inadequate against emerging threats.<ref>Thompson, Loren B. "Navy Steps Up New Jammer Effort; First New System in 40 Years." Template:Webarchive Aol Defense, 26 July 2012.</ref>
The EA-18G can be fitted with up to five ALQ-99 jamming pods and will typically add two AIM-120 AMRAAM or AGM-88 HARM missiles.<ref name="9.6 Billion" /> The EA-18G will also use the INCANS Interference Cancellation system that will allow voice communication while jamming enemy communications, a capability not available on the EA-6B.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In addition to the radar warning and jamming equipment, the Growler possesses a communications receiver and jamming system that will provide suppression and electronic attack against airborne communication threats.<ref name=Boe_EA-18G_overv/>
The poor reliability of the ALQ-99 jammer pod and frequent failures of the Built-In Test (BIT) have caused the crew to fly missions with undetected faults. The ALQ-99 has also interfered with the aircraft's AESA radar and has imposed a high workload on the two-man crew, along with reducing the Growler's top speed.<ref>"Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs." Template:Webarchive U.S. Government Accountability Office, 30 March 2010. Retrieved: 15 July 2011.</ref>
Boeing is looking into other potential upgrades; the ALQ-99 radar jamming pod may be replaced in the future, and the company is looking into adding weapons and replacing the satellite communications receiver. The Growler is the initial platform for the Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) which uses active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology to focus jamming power exactly where needed. The NGJ was to be implemented on the F-35.<ref name="N239a.ppt" /> However, in May 2012, the U.S. Navy decided to focus NGJ integration on the EA-18G for an expected in-service date of 2020, and defer work for the F-35.<ref>"US Navy Next Generation Jammer proceeds, but F-35 integration deferred indefinitely." Template:Webarchive Flightglobal, 11 May 2012.</ref> Boeing is also looking at exporting a Growler Lite configuration without the jamming pods for electronic awareness rather than electronic attack.<ref>Doyle, Andrew. "Aero India: Boeing reveals plans for 'Growler Lite'." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 13 February 2009. Retrieved: 15 July 2011.</ref>
Three Growlers networked together can generate targeting tracks for hostile radio-frequency sources in real time, but this is difficult to arrange with the current minimum strength US Navy squadrons.<ref>Majumdar, Dave. "Why the Navy wants more Growlers." Template:Webarchive US Naval Institute, 12 March 2014. Retrieved: 13 March 2014.</ref> Utilizing faster data-links, the Growler could use its EW pods to accurately locate signal sources. In a group of three planes, when one detects a signal from a source such as a cell phone, the other two can also listen for the same signal, all three measuring the amount of time taken for transmissions to travel from the source to each aircraft to trilaterate the location to "a very, very small area."<ref>Weisgerber, Marcus. "New tech will allow navy to target with jamming pods." Template:Webarchive Defenseone.com, 13 April 2015.</ref> By early 2015, the Navy had demonstrated this concept using EA-18s equipped with Rockwell Collins' tactical targeting network technology (TTNT) and ALQ-218 receivers to acquire emissions from a target vessel and target it from a stand-off range without using their own detectable radar emissions.<ref>Trimble, Stephen. "US Navy fighter develops passive target ID for ships." Template:Webarchive Flightglobal.com, 15 April 2015.</ref> Boeing announced on 1 December 2015 that they would upgrade Navy EA-18Gs with the TTNT datalink.<ref>USN upgrades EA-18G with long-range targeting system Template:Webarchive – Flightglobal.com, 3 December 2015</ref>
Following U.S. Navy missions in Operation Odyssey Dawn during the 2011 Libyan Revolution, the Royal Australian Air Force decided to add the Raytheon ATFLIR (forward looking infrared) pod to their order of 12 Growler aircraft. When the Navy's EA-18Gs' radar and radar detectors located possible targets, they passed the information through datalinks to strike fighters. However, the Growlers themselves lacked the ability to visually confirm what it detected, so adding a FLIR pod gives it visual acuity to see targets and shorten the kill chain; it is not known if the U.S. Navy will also add a FLIR pod. Australian EA-18Gs will also be equipped with the AIM-9X Sidewinder missile.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Operational history
United States
The first Growler for fleet use was officially accepted by VAQ-129 "Vikings" at NAS Whidbey Island, on 3 June 2008.<ref name="Navy_Welcomes" /> The Navy planned to buy approximately 85 aircraft to equip 11 squadrons as of 2008.<ref name="Navy_Welcomes" /> The EA-18G completed operational evaluation in late July 2009. The Growler was rated operationally effective and suitable for operational use.<ref name="Ready_for_Ops">Fulghum, David A. "Classified Tests Show Growler Ready for Ops." Aviation Week, 6 August 2009. Template:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore</ref><ref>Fein, Geoff. "EA-18G Given High Marks In OPEVAL, Boeing Says" (log in required). Template:Webarchive Defense Daily, 4 August 2009.</ref> On 5 August 2009, EA-18G Growlers from Electronic Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ-129) and Electronic Attack Squadron 132 (VAQ-132) completed their first at-sea carrier-arrested landing aboard the Template:USS.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
The first deployable EA-18G squadron was VAQ-132 "Scorpions", which reached operational status in October 2009.<ref name="VAQ-132_operational">"VAQ-132 Becomes First Operational Growler Squadron Safe for Flight." Template:Webarchive U.S. Navy, 8 October 2009.</ref> The first Growler operational deployment was announced on 17 February 2011.<ref>"Boeing EA-18G Growlers Deployed by US Navy." Template:Webarchive Air-attack.com, 17 February 2011.</ref> In service, the EA-18's radio name during flight operations will be "Grizzly". The "Growler" nickname sounded too much like the EA-6B's "Prowler" name, so "Grizzly" will be used to avoid confusion.<ref>"New ops nickname for EA-18G." Navytimes.com, 9 June 2009.</ref> By May 2011, 48 Growlers had been delivered to the U.S. Navy.<ref name=Boe_EA-18G_overv/>
With the termination of the EB-52H standoff jammer, the Growler became the sole remaining crewed tactical jammer. Air Staff requirements director Maj. Gen. David Scott has indicated that the USAF will seek to provide electronic warfare officers to fly on U.S. Navy Growlers, without providing funding to purchase additional aircraft.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> USAF personnel of 390th Electronic Combat Squadron stationed at NAS Whidbey Island have been supporting and flying the Growler.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The EA-18G was first used in combat during Operation Odyssey Dawn, enforcing the UN no-fly zone over Libya in 2011.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>"Growlers in action only 48 hours after Libya notification." Sea Power Magazine (Navy League of the United States), 16 April 2012. Retrieved: 2 March 2013.Template:Dead link</ref> Five EA-18Gs were redeployed from Iraq to support operations in Libya in 2011.<ref>"Roughead: Ships Were Ready for Odyssey Dawn." American Forces Press Service (US Navy), 23 March 2011.</ref>
The Growler was deployed as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, where one destroyed a Houthi Mil Mi-24 "Hind" on the ground with an AGM-88E Advanced Antiradiation Guided Missile (AARGM).<ref name=Altman>Template:Cite news</ref> The EA-18G also scored its first air-to-air kill, downing a Houthi drone.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In late 2024, E/A-18Gs of VAQ-133 attached to the Template:USS successfully used the ALQ-249 Next-Generation Jammer and made the squadron the very first in the Navy to deploy with the new jamming pod.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Australia
In 2008, the Australian Government requested export approval from the US government to purchase up to six EA-18Gs,<ref>Dodd, Mark. "RAAF likes the sound of the Growler." The Australian, 15 August 2008. Retrieved: 15 July 2011.</ref> which would be part of the order for 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets.<ref>Kelly, Emma. "Australia expands P-3 upgrade, plays down Growler reports." Template:Webarchive Flight International, 22 August 2008. Retrieved: 15 July 2011.</ref>
On 27 February 2009, Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon announced that 12 of the 24 Super Hornets on order would be wired on the production line for future fit-out as EA-18Gs. The additional wiring would cost A$35 million.<ref>"Super Hornets Wired For Future Upgrade." Template:Webarchive Australian Department of Defence, 27 February 2009.</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 23 August 2012, the Australian Government announced that 12 RAAF Super Hornets would be fitted with Growler capability at a cost of $1.5 billion,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> making the Royal Australian Air Force the only military other than the U.S. to operate the Growler's electronic jamming equipment.<ref>Template:Citation</ref>
On 3 May 2013, the Australian Government announced that it will buy 12 new-build Growlers to supplement the existing Super Hornet fleet.<ref>Taylor, Ellis. "Canberra commits to new Growlers, but remains coy on F-35s." Template:Webarchive Flight, 3 May 2013.</ref> Australia took delivery of the first of 12 Growlers on 29 July 2015.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Uniquely, Australian Growlers will be equipped with the AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR targeting pod and will also have additional air-to-air weapons in the form of the AIM-9X missile.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The aircraft will be operated by No. 6 Squadron RAAF.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> On 7 July 2017, the RAAF completed delivery of the 12 EA-18G Growlers with the arrival of the last Growler at RAAF Base Amberley, home of No. 6 Squadron RAAF.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref>
One of the Australian EA-18Gs was written off following an engine fire in January 2018, leaving the force with 11 of the type.<ref name="Destroyed">Template:Cite news</ref> On 29 January, an Australian EA-18G caught fire after an aborted takeoff at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada while participating in Exercise Red Flag 2018. The crew were able to exit the jet on the ground unharmed.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> An investigation found that one engine's high-pressure compressor had broken into three major pieces that severely damaged the lower airframe, right tailfin, and the other engine.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The aircraft was written off on 15 August<ref>Template:CitationTemplate:Cbignore</ref> and the Australian Government is attempting to claim compensation for the loss of the A$125 million aircraft.<ref name="Destroyed"/>
On 9 December 2020, the Royal Australian Air Force announced that the 11 EA-18G Growlers and 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets had been grounded after an incident occurred where the crew of an RAAF F/A-18F had to eject on take-off.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 30 September 2021, the US State Department approved the sale of an EA-18G to Australia to replace that lost in the 2018 accident.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This aircraft was ordered in early 2022, with the price being up to US$125 million. It was acquired from the US Navy's stock of Growlers and modified to the same configuration as the other Australian aircraft before being delivered to the RAAF.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The aircraft was delivered to the RAAF in February 2023.<ref name="RAAF quietly replaces">Template:Cite news</ref>
In February 2023, a A$2 billion project to upgrade the RAAF's Growlers and support infrastructure was approved and awarded to Boeing. As part of the project, new radar infrastructure will be installed at RAAF Base Amberley and the Delamere Air Weapons Range. The Growlers will also be fitted with improved sensors, longer-range missiles and new jamming pods.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Potential operators
Japan
On 1 January 2018, it was reported that the Japanese Government is considering purchasing an electronic warfare attack aircraft and the EA-18G is a candidate for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Failed bids
Finland
Boeing and the US Navy indicated their intention to propose the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G as a package for the new fighter introduction program, HX, which would replace the F/A-18C/D fighters operated by the Finnish Air Force, and on 18 February 2019 the US Department of Defense approved the export of the EA-18G to Finland.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, the Finnish Air Force selected the F-35 Lightning II in February 2022.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Operators
- Royal Australian Air Force - 12 aircraft in service<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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- United States Air Force
- 390th Electronic Combat Squadron provides training for electronic warfare officers for Navy units by augmenting VAQ-129 with some USAF instructors.<ref>"Air Force EWO graduates from Navy Growler training." af.mil/news. Retrieved: 29 August 2012.</ref>
- United States Navy - 153 aircraft in service<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Specifications (EA-18G Growler)
See also
Template:Portal Template:Aircontent
References
Notes
Bibliography
External links
- Template:Official website
- EA-18G Program: The USA's Electronic Growler at DefenseIndustryDaily.com
- "EA-18G "Growler": New platform and capabilities set to un-level the SEAD playing field". Flight International, 8 July 2008.
- "When Hornets Growl". Air & Space, 1 March 2011.
- VAQ-141 Shadowhawks EA-18G Growler: Photo walk around of two aircraft including the CAG bird.
- 2013-2019 US Navy Environmental Impact Study into EA-18G Growler Flight Operations at NAS Whidbey Island Template:Webarchive
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