5 Electronic Warfare Capabilities Of The US Navy's EA-18G Growler
This F/A-18F Super Hornet variant is an electronic force to be reckoned with.
simpleflying.comwas seen at 2004 production start, entered production in 2004; first flight occurred in 2006; IOC with the Navy around 2009; deployment began in 2010 year; unit cost about $67 million. is armed with AGM-88 HARM missiles for SEAD, using state-of-the-art jamming pods and AESA-related systems to suppress defenses and shield allied forces. Capable of speeds up to Mach 1.8 and operates at altitudes up to about 50,000 feet, with a typical combat range near 1,275 miles without external fuel. The aircraft remains a twin-engine, carrier-based electronic warfare asset developed from the F/A-18F Super Hornet, designed to jam radar and communications while escorting strike packages. The Growler has an emphasis on counter-defenses to enable mission success. Built to jam, protect, and project electronic attack against integrated air defenses. Unit cost cited around $67 million, with deployment starting a decade ago. This aircraft integrates AES A-related systems to improve battlefield communications suppression. Operational profile centers on suppression of enemy air defenses while protecting allied strike packages.