EA/18G Growler

[Salty Dog]

Ah, I see...excuse my english.

I was wondering if the Growler will be as capable as the Prowler in its primary missions. With 3 operators, the prowler is very capable. Will the Growler be able to do the same?

I was hoping also it will not turn into a blind bat after when it turns on EA

cheers

Guppy

The venerable Prowler started out in with analog EW equipment, very operator intensive. Computerized equipment makes EW less operator intensive thereby reducing the need for numbers of operators. The jury is still out on this as the EA-18G enters the fleet and squadrons can fully evaluate their employment.

The EA-18G has the INCANS system which allows UHF voice communications with friendly units whilst jamming enemy communicaition. A capability the Prowler does not have.

There will be fleet wide savings in maintenance costs as the EA-18G shares over 90% in common with the Super Hornet.

 

[guppy]

Thanks Salty Dog, I did not know about the INCANS. So I suppose that the L16 will still work too? And what about other subsystems like the radar and threat warning systems?

I personally feel that it is still not proven that the Growler would be as effective in EA. Definitely the common airframe would save some dollars for the USN.

Sometimes old systems are more effective. This brings to my mind the time when the F-4Gs were first replaced by the F-16CJs.

Cheers

Guppy

 

[F-15 Eagle]

I don't know if someone went over this already or not but what kind of weapons can the E/A-18 carry?

 

[Aussie Digger]

I don't know if someone went over this already or not but what kind of weapons can the E/A-18 carry?

I've only ever seen AGM-88 HARM and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles on the aircraft itself, others such as Sidewinder and perhaps JSOW or similar might be able to be carried too, but I'd expect the list of integrated weapons is not large...

Boeing lists that "9 weapon stations are available for weapons, fuel or jamming pods or other stores as required" and lists it's "high commonality" with the F/A-18F as a feature, so perhaps the EA-18G might be able to carry the same range of weapons as the F/A-18F if necessary, but I doubt it would, too often.

 

[F-15 Eagle]

I've only ever seen AGM-88 HARM and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles on the aircraft itself, others such as Sidewinder and perhaps JSOW or similar might be able to be carried too, but I'd expect the list of integrated weapons is not large...

Boeing lists that "9 weapon stations are available for weapons, fuel or jamming pods or other stores as required" and lists it's "high commonality" with the F/A-18F as a feature, so perhaps the EA-18G might be able to carry the same range of weapons as the F/A-18F if necessary, but I doubt it would, too often.

I suppose it could carry the same weapons but why would it need to? 2 HARMs to attack enemy SAMs and 2 AMRAAMs for self defense against enemy fighters is good enough for the EW role.

 

[superhornet]

I suppose it could carry the same weapons but why would it need to? 2 HARMs to attack enemy SAMs and 2 AMRAAMs for self defense against enemy fighters is good enough for the EW role.

a big improvement from EA-6B to EA/18G is that growler can take 2 AAM which is essential to protect itself. another fact is EA-18G can fly faster than prowler. it is improtant for electronic attack aircraft to catch up with strikers and escorts. of course, in the terms of maintenance, growler enjoy a great advantage. it share a great deal of common in airframe and electronic system.
USN can save a lot of money... in the time of tight budget. cheer!

 

[F-15 Eagle]

a big improvement from EA-6B to EA/18G is that growler can take 2 AAM which is essential to protect itself. another fact is EA-18G can fly faster than prowler. it is improtant for electronic attack aircraft to catch up with strikers and escorts. of course, in the terms of maintenance, growler enjoy a great advantage. it share a great deal of common in airframe and electronic system.
USN can save a lot of money... in the time of tight budget. cheer!

This might be a little off topic but can the Super Hornet carry CALCMs?

 

[gf0012-aust]

This might be a little off topic but can the Super Hornet carry CALCMs?

It's railed and able to carry the same weapons fit as a normal super...