Wed, Dec 02, 2009
New Aircraft To Replace Navy's EA-6B Prowler
The Boeing EA-18G Growler was approved to advance into Full Rate
Production (FRP) by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) on
November 23. The St. Louis-based EA-18G program now can proceed
from Low Rate Initial Production to FRP quantities of approximately
20 aircraft per year.
"Full Rate Production for the EA-18G is critical, as it enables
Boeing to quickly ramp up production of the U.S. Navy's newest and
most advanced airborne electronic attack (AEA) platform, and
rapidly get this new capability to the warfighter," said Bob Gower,
F/A-18 and EA-18 Programs vice president for Boeing. "The FRP
decision is also a clear indication of DOD support for the EA-18G
program and the immediate capability it will provide Combatant
Commanders around the world."
The EA-18G achieved Initial Operational Capability as planned in
September with U.S. Navy electronic attack squadron VAQ-132, based
at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.
The EA-18G's highly flexible design enables warfighters to
perform an array of AEA missions, operating either from the deck of
an aircraft carrier or from land-based fields. It is the only
airborne platform that delivers full-spectrum electronic attack
capability, along with targeting and self-defense capabilities
derived from the Navy's frontline strike fighter, the F/A-18E/F
Block II Super Hornet. The new aircraft is replacing the Navy's
current AEA platform, the EA-6B Prowler, which has been in service
since 1971. The Growler joined the Navy's aircraft fleet in
2008.
Boeing, acting as the weapon system integrator and prime
contractor, leads the EA-18G Growler industry team, which also
includes Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and General Electric Aircraft
Engines.
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