Boeing EA 18G Growler

The electronic attack fighter built for modern naval warfare.

A U.S. Navy Boeing EA-18G Growler © Pablo Fernicola

Overview

Boeing United States ICAO: EA18 2004–Present $68.2 million (2012)

The Boeing EA-18G Growler is a carrier-based electronic attack aircraft derived from the F/A-18 Super Hornet. Designed to jam radar and communications systems, it provides electronic warfare support to strike groups. The aircraft entered service in the late 2000s.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × General Electric F414-GE-400
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 22,000 lbf · 98 kN
Avionics
Raytheon APG-79 AESA
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
60 ft 1 in  ·  18.31 m
Tail height
16 ft 0 in  ·  4.88 m
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
44 ft 8 in  ·  13.62 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
66,000 lb  ·  29,900 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
22,000 lb  ·  10,000 kg
Fuel capacity
2,100 gal · 7,900 L · 6,300 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
1,034 kt  ·  1,190 mph  ·  1,915 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
1,275 nm  ·  1,470 mi  ·  2,360 km
Fuel burn
0.61 nm/gal  ·  0.30 km/L
Ceiling
50,000 ft  ·  15,200 m
Rate of climb
—
Takeoff distance
2,700 ft  ·  820 m
Landing distance
2,100 ft  ·  640 m
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A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler assigned to the USS Carl Vinson.

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Operational Context

Boeing EA-18G Growler — carrier-based electronic attack aircraft

The EA-18G first flew in 2006 and entered operational service in 2009. It replaces the EA-6B Prowler in U.S. Navy service. The aircraft retains the twin-engine Super Hornet airframe with modifications for electronic warfare equipment.

Powered by two General Electric F414 turbofan engines producing approximately 22,000 pounds of thrust (98 kN) each with afterburner, the Growler can exceed Mach 1.8. Maximum takeoff weight is roughly 66,000 pounds (29,940 kg). It carries electronic countermeasure pods and anti-radiation missiles.

The Growler supports suppression of enemy air defenses and communications jamming missions. It operates from aircraft carriers and land bases. The aircraft remains central to U.S. and allied electronic warfare capability.