EA-18G Growler

A carrier-based airborne electronic-attack aircraft derived from the F/A-18F Super Hornet, designed to detect, locate, jam and attack hostile radar and communications emitters.

Overview

The Boeing EA-18G Growler is a two-seat airborne electronic-attack aircraft operated by the United States Navy and Royal Australian Air Force. Derived from the carrier-capable F/A-18F Super Hornet, it combines combat-aircraft speed, sensors and weapons with wideband electronic surveillance and external jamming pods. The Growler replaced the four-seat EA-6B Prowler and is the only crewed tactical jamming aircraft remaining in the US inventory, according to the program history summarized by Wikipedia.

Unlike a large standoff-jamming platform, the Growler is intended to accompany or support tactical strike formations. Its AN/ALQ-218 receivers detect and help locate emitters, while AN/ALQ-99 or newer AN/ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer pods disrupt selected portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. AGM-88-series anti-radiation missiles provide a kinetic suppression option, and AIM-120 air-to-air missiles allow the aircraft to contribute to its own defense and wider air operations.

The aircraft's operational relevance increasingly depends on its replaceable mission systems rather than major changes to the airframe. The US Navy is introducing the AESA-based Next Generation Jammer family, upgrading the internal electronic-warfare suite and improving data processing and connectivity. This approach preserves commonality with the Super Hornet fleet while addressing the age, reliability limitations and frequency coverage of the legacy ALQ-99 system.

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