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 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 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
On November 15, 2001, Boeing conducted a successful demonstration of the F/A-18F Super Hornet equipped with the ALQ-99 system, proving the viability of the EA-18G concept. The Growler was officially selected as the Prowler’s replacement in December 2003, and Boeing was awarded the development contract. Boeing was tasked with producing the forward fuselage, wings, and final assembly, while Northrop Grumman provided the center and aft fuselage as well as the electronic combat systems.
Production of the first EA-18G began in October 2004, and the prototype flew its maiden flight on August 15, 2006. Two test aircraft, designated NEA-18Gs, were delivered to NAS Patuxent River for evaluation, including ground tests in the Air Combat Environment Test and Evaluation Facility (ACETEF).
The first production EA-18G was delivered to VAQ-129 at NAS Whidbey Island on June 3, 2008, achieving Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in fall 2009. Early models, designated Block I, featured the AN/APG-79 AESA radar, AN/ALQ-218 receivers, and AN/ALQ-99 pods. By October 2009, VAQ-132 became the first deployable EA-18G squadron, with operational status achieved by 2010. The Growler saw its first combat deployment during Operation Odyssey Dawn in 2011, supporting the UN no-fly zone over Libya.
In 2013, Block II upgrades introduced enhanced systems, including an improved APG-79 radar, ALQ-218(V)2 receivers, and the INCANS communication system. The ALQ-218(V)2 provides 360-degree threat detection, while the ALE-47 countermeasures dispenser deploys radar and infrared decoys. These upgrades enable seamless data sharing via Link 16 and improved electronic warfare capabilities.
The ALQ-99’s limitations led to the development of the NGJ, which incorporates advanced cyber-attack capabilities and independent threat response. The NGJ-Mid Band pods, designated AN/ALQ-249, underwent successful testing in 2020 and achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in 2022.
In 2021, the Growler Capability Modification program introduced additional enhancements, including the Advanced Cockpit System (ACS) and improvements to the Airborne Electronic Attack suite, ensuring the EA-18G remains effective against evolving threats.
Today, the EA-18G Growler stands as the most advanced airborne electronic attack platform in production, fulfilling a critical role in modern military operations.
