5 Facts About FA18 Growler

Introduction to the EA-18G Growler

The EA-18G Growler is a specialized electronic warfare aircraft used by the United States Navy. It is a variant of the F/A-18F Super Hornet, which has been modified to perform electronic attack missions. The Growler is designed to disrupt, disable, and destroy enemy radar and communication systems, making it a crucial asset for the Navy’s air operations. In this article, we will delve into five interesting facts about the EA-18G Growler, exploring its capabilities, features, and role in modern naval aviation.

Fact 1: Electronic Warfare Capabilities

The EA-18G Growler is equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems, including the AN/ALQ-218 receiver and the AN/ALQ-227 communication countermeasures set. These systems allow the Growler to detect, analyze, and disrupt enemy radar and communication signals. The aircraft can also carry AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARM), which are designed to destroy enemy radar and surface-to-air missile systems. The Growler’s electronic warfare capabilities make it an essential component of the Navy’s air operations, providing critical support to strike aircraft and other naval assets.

Fact 2: Airborne Electronic Attack

The EA-18G Growler is designed to perform airborne electronic attack (AEA) missions, which involve disrupting or destroying enemy radar and communication systems. The aircraft is equipped with the AN/ALQ-99 tactical jamming system, which can transmit high-power jamming signals to overwhelm enemy radar and communication systems. The Growler can also carry ALQ-218 pods, which provide additional electronic warfare capabilities. The aircraft’s AEA capabilities make it a valuable asset for the Navy, allowing it to conduct electronic warfare operations in support of a variety of missions.

Fact 3: Advanced Avionics and Sensors

The EA-18G Growler features advanced avionics and sensors, including the APG-79 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and the AN/AYK-22 mission computer. The aircraft is also equipped with the AN/ALQ-218 receiver, which provides advanced electronic warfare capabilities. The Growler’s avionics and sensors are designed to work together seamlessly, providing the pilot with a comprehensive picture of the battlefield. The aircraft’s advanced sensors and avionics make it an extremely capable platform, allowing it to perform a variety of missions with precision and accuracy.

Fact 4: Operational History

The EA-18G Growler has been operational with the United States Navy since 2009. The aircraft has seen service in a variety of conflicts, including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. The Growler has proven itself to be a highly effective platform, providing critical electronic warfare support to naval and coalition forces. The aircraft has also been used for a variety of other missions, including reconnaissance and strike operations. The Growler’s operational history is a testament to its versatility and effectiveness, demonstrating its value as a key component of the Navy’s air operations.

Fact 5: Future Developments

The EA-18G Growler is currently undergoing a series of upgrades and modifications, designed to improve its performance and capabilities. The aircraft is being fitted with the AN/ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) system, which will provide advanced electronic warfare capabilities. The NGJ system is designed to be more powerful and flexible than the current AN/ALQ-99 system, allowing the Growler to perform a wider range of electronic warfare missions. The upgrades will also include advanced avionics and sensors, further enhancing the aircraft’s capabilities. The future developments of the EA-18G Growler will ensure that it remains a highly effective and versatile platform, capable of performing a variety of missions in support of naval and coalition forces.

Characteristic	Value
Length	60.3 ft (18.4 m)
Wingspan	44.8 ft (13.7 m)
Height	16 ft (4.9 m)
Empty Weight	24,700 lb (11,200 kg)
Max Takeoff Weight	55,000 lb (25,000 kg)

🚀 Note: The EA-18G Growler is a highly specialized aircraft, and its capabilities and features are subject to change as new technologies and systems are developed.

In summary, the EA-18G Growler is a highly advanced electronic warfare aircraft, designed to disrupt, disable, and destroy enemy radar and communication systems. Its advanced avionics and sensors, combined with its electronic warfare capabilities, make it a valuable asset for the United States Navy. The aircraft’s operational history and future developments demonstrate its importance as a key component of the Navy’s air operations, providing critical support to strike aircraft and other naval assets.