Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler

The electronic attack aircraft built for carrier-based jamming missions.

Overview

Northrop Grumman United States ICAO: EA6B 1966–1991 $52 million (1998)

The Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler was a carrier-capable electronic attack aircraft developed from the A-6 Intruder. Designed to jam enemy radar and communications, it supported strike missions for decades. The aircraft became a central component of U.S. naval electronic warfare.

Live Fleet Activity (EA6B)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Pratt & Whitney J52-P408A
Engine type
Jet
Thrust
2 × 10,400 lbf · 46 kN
Avionics
Advanced Electronic Attack ICAP III System
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
4
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
59 ft 9 in  ·  18.20 m
Tail height
16 ft 3 in  ·  4.95 m
Fuselage diameter
5 ft 7 in  ·  1.70 m
Wing span
52 ft 2 in  ·  15.90 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
61,500 lb  ·  27,900 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
18,100 lb  ·  8,200 kg
Fuel capacity
3,750 gal · 14,200 L · 11,400 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
566 kt  ·  651 mph  ·  1,048 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
2,400 nm  ·  2,760 mi  ·  4,440 km
Fuel burn
0.64 nm/gal  ·  0.31 km/L
Ceiling
37,600 ft  ·  11,500 m
Rate of climb
12,900 ft/min  ·  66 m/s
Takeoff distance
2,750 ft  ·  840 m
Landing distance
2,200 ft  ·  670 m
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Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler

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Operational Context

Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler — carrier-based electronic attack aircraft

The EA-6B entered service in the early 1970s as an advanced electronic warfare platform. It retained the A-6’s twin-engine configuration and high-mounted wings while incorporating specialized jamming equipment. The aircraft operated from aircraft carriers and land bases.

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney J52 turbojet engines producing approximately 10,000 pounds of thrust (44 kN) each, the EA-6B cruised at around 480 knots (890 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight was roughly 61,500 pounds (27,900 kg). Its crew of four managed electronic countermeasure systems and mission equipment.

The Prowler saw combat in numerous conflicts, providing suppression of enemy air defenses. It was eventually replaced by the EA-18G Growler. The EA-6B remains an important chapter in naval aviation electronic warfare development.