Fri, Aug 08, 2008
Growler's Bite Matches Its Bark
The Growler has teeth. The EA-18G Test Team at NAWCWD China Lake
conducted its first AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-To-Air
Missile (AMRAAM) live fire on July 23, marking another critical
milestone for the Growler test program.
The EA-18G is an electronic attack variant of the F/A-18F
undergoing developmental test as an eventual replacement for the
EA-6B Prowler. In addition to being the first AIM-120 firing, this
event marked the first release of any ordnance off the versatile
platform.
As part of the integrated test and evaluation of the aircraft,
the Growler test team comprised of both developmental and
operational testers executed a successful shot, demonstrating a
lethal, self-contained air-to-air capability that the electronic
attack community has previously relied on other aircraft to
provide.
The live fire flight was flown by Lt. Jeff Millar, a VX-9 pilot
from a Hornet background, and Lt. Elizabeth Somerville, a VX-31
electronic countermeasures officer/weapon systems officer from a
Prowler background. Invaluable support was provided by Boeing
maintenance and test personnel, VX-31 ordnance, the Point Mugu and
China Lake AMRAAM project team, China Lake range safety and range
control as well as the entire EA-18G test team.
While jamming threat systems located at Echo range, the Growler
engaged and fired on the BQM-74E target drone. Airborne chase
cameras as well as optical trackers on the target drone confirmed
safe weapon separation followed by a very close pass to the target
drone, scored by range personnel as a hit.
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