Boeing EA-18G Growler - The Aussie Growler

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(RAAF) Boeing EA-18G Growler

   Hello everybody. Today, I’d like to introduce and suggest the Aussie EA-18G Growler, an electronic attack variant of the F/A-18F Super Hornet, in War Thunder. EA-18G is initially designed to replace the Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler in service with the US Navy and is equipped with highly advanced avionics tailored specifically for electronic warfare operations. Australia has also purchased several EA-18Gs to serve in the Royal Australian Air Force as its very own Airborne Electronic Attack aircraft.

   Please note: The implementation of the EA-18G in game would be most feasible if in-game mechanics such as Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) and jamming capabilities are already implemented, as these features are integral to the Growler’s functionality.

Key Characteristics

  • Airborne Electronic Attack variant of the F/A-18F Super Hornet, retaining most of critical features
  • 20-mm cannon deleted for the electronic warfare equipment
  • Access to only AIM-120s, AIM-9Xs, and AGM-88s or AGM-154 JSOWs
  • AN/ALQ-218(V)2 receiver pods and ALQ-99 jamming pods as a central electronic warfare system.
  • Capable of performing SEAD operations.
History

Background

The Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler served as the United States Navy’s primary electronic warfare aircraft from its introduction in 1971 until its production ended in 1991. Based on the A-6 Intruder airframe, the EA-6B was designed for a crew of four and specialized in radar jamming and radio signal detection for intelligence gathering. Armed with AGM-88 HARM missiles, it disrupted enemy radar systems and collected valuable electronic data from adversary air defense networks. However, by the early 2000s, the Prowler’s aging design required replacement with a more modern, versatile aircraft capable of self-defense.

The Boeing F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornets, derivatives of the earlier McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornets, emerged as favorable candidates. These aircraft featured larger airframes, increased fuel capacity, and expanded payload capabilities, making them suitable platforms for electronic warfare missions. Their range, endurance, and modern systems provided the foundation for developing a successor to the EA-6B.

Design and Development

The US Navy selected an electronic-attack version of the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet as the Prowler’s replacement. This choice met the Navy’s requirements, as the Super Hornet’s advanced flight capabilities allowed it to escort strike groups while conducting jamming operations. Sharing over 90% of its design with the F/A-18F, the EA-18G retained the combat-proven airframe and twin General Electric F414-GE-400 engines, each capable of producing 22,000 lbf (98 kN) of thrust with afterburners. The EA-18G also incorporated the AN/APG-79 AESA radar, featuring a passive detection mode and active radar suppression in later configurations.

Key modifications from the standard Super Hornet included the removal of the 20 mm nose cannon to house advanced electronic-warfare systems. These systems include the AN/ALQ-218 wideband receivers, mounted on the wingtips, which replaced the Sidewinder missiles. These receivers operate across Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) to Very High Frequency (VHF) bands, enabling detection, identification, and triangulation of radio sources. This capability enhances situational awareness and reduces the crew’s workload, as the EA-18G’s two-person configuration streamlined operations compared to the four-person crew of the EA-6B.

The EA-18G is equipped with the AN/ALQ-99 jamming pods, a legacy system used since the Vietnam War. This system generates powerful radio signals to disrupt and neutralize enemy radar and sensors. Powered by a ram air turbine, the ALQ-99 operates across a frequency range from 64 MHz to 20 GHz. Despite its utility, the ALQ-99 was prone to reliability issues and interference with the EA-18G’s AESA radar, complicating operations. The pod’s limitations eventually led to the development of the Next Generation Jammer (NGJ), which offers increased jamming power and autonomous threat response capabilities. The EA-18G can carry three to five ALQ-99 pods on its underwing pylons.

In addition to electronic-warfare systems, the EA-18G carries a limited weapons load, typically two AIM-120 AMRAAMs for air-to-air defense and two AGM-88 HARMs or AGM-154 JSOWs for anti-radiation or standoff strikes. The Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) enables improved target acquisition and situational awareness during high-G maneuvers.

The cockpit is designed for a pilot and an electronic warfare officer, both equipped with advanced digital controls, including touch-screen liquid crystal displays (LCDs) for mission management and tactical navigation.

EA-18G Growler’s Mission and Role in Electronic Warfare

The EA-18G Growler is a carrier- and land-based electronic warfare aircraft designed to disrupt enemy radar and communications. Its primary mission is to suppress enemy air defenses (SEAD) during the early stages of conflict, ensuring safe passage for friendly forces.

The Growler integrates AN/ALQ-218 receivers and AN/ALQ-99 jamming pods to create a comprehensive electronic warfare system capable of detecting, jamming, and disabling enemy radar and communication networks. The AESA radar enhances jamming precision, allowing focused disruption of specific threats. This capability is critical for countering surface-to-air missile systems and anti-aircraft artillery reliant on radar guidance.The INCANS system allows the crew to maintain voice communication even while jamming enemy signals, a significant improvement over the EA-6B.

Additionally, the EA-18G performs electronic intelligence gathering and strike missions, utilizing its AGM-88 HARM missiles and AGM-154 JSOW weapons to destroy enemy radar and communication sites. For self-defense, it can employ AIM-120 AMRAAMs and control with the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System, which enhances situational awareness and weapons targeting in dynamic engagements.

Operational Service in Royal Australian Air Force

After the EA-18G began production in 2007 and entered operational service with the US Navy in late 2009, the Australian Government expressed interest in acquiring an Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) capability in 2008. The EA-18G was identified as the sole candidate, leading Australia to seek US export approval for the aircraft. In February 2009, the Australian government amended its order of F/A-18F Super Hornets to include a production modification that would allow the final twelve aircraft to be converted into EA-18G Growlers.

By May 2013, however, Australia opted to purchase 12 new-build Growlers rather than converting existing Super Hornets. This decision followed an August 2012 advisory from the US that Growler production might cease by 2015. In June 2014, Boeing was awarded a contract to produce 12 Growlers for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) under a Foreign Military Sales agreement with the US Navy.

The acquisition of the EA-18G introduced a unique and transformative capability to the RAAF. Comparable in impact to the introduction of the F-111C in the 1970s, the Growler provides advanced electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, including electronic intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. These capabilities enhance situational awareness, reduce operational risks, and support a range of defense missions. The Growler complements other aircraft in the RAAF fleet, such as the F/A-18F Super Hornet and F-35A Lightning II, by integrating seamlessly into joint operations.

In July 2015, Australia received its first EA-18G, with the remaining jets delivered by mid-2017. These aircraft are operated by No. 6 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland. The Australian Growlers were adapted to meet specific operational needs. Drawing on lessons from the US Navy’s 2011 Operation Odyssey Dawn over Libya, the RAAF equipped its Growlers with Raytheon’s AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR targeting pod. This addition addressed the need for visual confirmation of targets detected through EW systems, offering capabilities such as thermographic imaging, laser designation, and target tracking. The Growlers were also outfitted with AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles for enhanced air-to-air defense.

While awaiting delivery of their aircraft, RAAF crews were trained by the US Navy at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) was conducted in early 2017 before the Growlers returned to Australia. The first RAAF Growlers appeared at the Australian International Airshow at Avalon in March 2017, and all twelve aircraft (serials A46-301 to A46-312) were fully operational with No. 6 Squadron by mid-2017.

The squadron achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) between 2018 and 2019, with Final Operational Capability (FOC) due for 2022. During IOC, Growler crews collaborated closely with No. 1 Squadron (Super Hornets) to refine joint tactical operations and training. The RAAF also worked extensively with the US Navy to gain insights into decades of Airborne Electronic Attack expertise. Australian Growlers participated in major international exercises, including US Red Flag in 2018 and 2020, where they demonstrated their effectiveness in high-threat, coalition-force environments.

In February 2023, the Australian government approved a AU$2 billion project to sustain and enhance the Growler fleet’s capabilities. Boeing was contracted to upgrade the RAAF’s Growlers with advanced systems, including the AN/ALQ-249 Next-Generation Jammer to replace the older ALQ-99 system, an upgraded sensor suite, and longer-range anti-radiation missiles. These enhancements will significantly boost the Growler’s ability to counter both current and emerging threats.

Today, the EA-18G Growler represents a fundament of the RAAF’s electronic warfare capability. Its unmatched situational awareness and tactical versatility make Australia the first country outside the US to operate this level of Airborne Electronic Attack technology, solidifying its role as a vital asset in the nation’s defense strategy.

Specifications

(RAAF) Boeing EA-18G Growler

General Characteristics

  • Crew: 1 (Pilot)
  • Length: 18.5 m (60 ft 3.5 in)
  • Height: 4.88 m (16 ft)
  • Span: 13.68 m (44 ft 10.5 in)
  • Wing Area: 46.5 sq m (500 sq ft)
  • Powerplant: 2 x General Electric F414-GE-400 turbofans
    →196 kN (44,000 lbf) thrust with afterburner
    →62 kN (14,000 lbf) thrust dry
  • Internal Fuel: 13,940 lbs (6,323 kg)
  • Empty Weight: 15,677 kg (34,562 lb)
  • Max. Recovery Weight: 21,772 kg (48,000 lbs)
  • Max. Takeoff Weight: 29,938 kg (66,600 lb)

Performance

  • Thrust-to-Weight Ratio: 0.92
  • Maximum Speed: 1.6 - 1.8 Mach
  • Wing Loading: 468.7 kg/sq m (96 lb/sq ft)
  • Service Ceiling: 15,240 m (50,000 ft)
  • Combat Range: 1,574 km (850 nautical miles; 978 miles) with two AIM-120s, three ALQ-99 TJS, two AGM-88 HARMs, and two 480 gallon external fuel tanks

Armament

  • Avionics:
    • Raytheon AN/APG-79 Active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar
    • Northrop Grumman AN/ALQ-218(V)2 Tactical Jamming System Receiver
    • EDO Corporation AN/ALQ-99 Airborne Integrated Jamming System
    • Raytheon AN/ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer System
    • AN/ALR-67(V)3 Radar Warning Receiver
    • Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System with Night Vision Cueing and Display
  • Guns:
    • None; the 20-mm M61A2 cannon has been removed and replaced by a pod of electronic boxes
  • Hardpoints:
    • 9 total (6 under-wing + 3 under fuselage)
      • With a capacity of 17,750 lb (8,050 kg) external fuel and ordnance
  • Air-to-Air Missiles:
    • AIM-9X Sidewinder
    • AIM-120C/D AMRAAM
  • Air-to-Ground Missiles:
    • AGM-88B/E HARM
  • Guided Bombs:
    • AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon
  • Drop Tanks:
    • 480 US gal external fuel tanks
  • Others:
    • AN/ALE-47 countermeasures dispensers
    • ALQ-99 jamming pods
    • AN/ALQ-249 jamming pods
    • AN/ALQ-218(V)2 receiver pods
    • ALQ-227 communication countermeasures set
    • AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR targeting pod
Cockpit

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Images

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“Typical” loadout for the Growler

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Conclusion | EA-18G’s place in game

   The EA-18G Growler’s role as an electronic warfare aircraft brings a highly tactical and dynamic element to gameplay in War Thunder. It is not only well-suited for the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) and strike missions against ground-based threats but also capable of escort jamming and disrupting enemy radar systems while defending itself with AIM-120 missiles. However, the implementation of the EA-18G should definitely wait until it is introduced alongside more modern and powerful anti-air and air-defense platforms. This would preferably create a balanced environment where SEAD and strike emissions become essential to counter these advanced defenses, something that will supplement a new gameplay experience.

See Also - American EA-18G

Sources

Thank you for taking the time to read my suggestion! 😃

1 Like
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EA-6 would be cool too

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+1 Would be great to see if/when we get ECM and could be a good option for the UK TT.

1 Like
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This post was flagged by the community and is temporarily hidden.

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1 Like
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If the anti-air situation in War Thunder isn’t just bad as it’s at the moment, I can’t wait for this banger.

1 Like
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i dont want to +1 until i hear your idea of how electronic warfare would be implemented in this game. however if you have a nice idea then ill support

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As the game is, electronic warfare would:

  1. Make top tier gameplay even more chaotic and BS than it already is.
  2. Effective usage would require an insane amount of teamwork from a team that can barely take off without crashing.
    And adding the AIM-9X would be insanely broken.
1 Like
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+1

Primarily for ANZAC(or CAN-ANZAC) tree.

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As I mentioned in the comments of my American EA-18G suggestion, the implementation of electronic warfare (EW) in War Thunder shouldn’t be overly technical due to the classified nature of its details. Instead, it should be simplified while still maintaining its core functionality.

Here’s an example, activating jamming pods could interfere with and prevent certain aircraft or SAM systems from locking onto you within the jammer’s beam zone and up to a fixed distance. However, this doesn’t mean that jamming pods offer complete protection against multiple radar locks at once—they have limitations.

Jamming pods become ineffective when facing multiple enemy aircraft or SAMs, especially if surrounded. Another limitation is their reliance on a single frequency band. To put it simply, the AN/ALQ-99 can only process and jam radio waves within a specific frequency range and can operate on only one band at a time.

This is why the EA-18G carries multiple jamming pods, each covering different frequency bands. Typically, it has two pods on its wings operating at high band and one on the centerline operating at low band, allowing it to jam a wider range of radar frequencies. In some cases, the EA-18G can carry up to five jamming pods, but doing so sacrifices its air-to-air capability. Most military aircraft radars operate in the S-band or X-band, both considered high band, while low band is often used for communication radios, radio navigation signals, and other basic electronics.

In-game, this would mean that players must equip the appropriate pods capable of jamming the specific frequencies used by enemy radars. If the pods don’t match the enemy’s radar frequency, they will be ineffective.

Additionally, I believe jamming pods should be able to disrupt enemy systems, temporarily removing all markers on their screens in AB and RB. The markers would only reappear when the aircraft leaves the jammer’s beam zone or enters close proximity. In SB, jamming could obscure the moving map display and interfere with elements on the instrument panel.

Sorry for the long post, but these are my thoughts on how EW could be implemented while keeping it simple yet effective. This is also why I believe EW should be suggested separately, as it requires substantial guesswork based on known but incomplete information since specific performance details remain classified. I’m sure others may have better ideas or proposals to refine this concept.

Even if full EW implementation isn’t possible, at the very least, the EA-18G should be capable of performing SEAD and firing AGM-88 HARMs.

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+1 for aussie jets to GB tech tree, would fill the role of dedicated ECM platform that britain will lack in the future