ST. LOUIS, Oct. 25, 2005 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] is installing the first radio frequency (RF) cables in the EA-1 aircraft as it continues production of the first two EA-18G flight test aircraft, EA-1 & EA-2.
RF cabling is essential in connecting the specialized avionics required to perform the airborne electronic attack mission of the EA-18G. When completed, each aircraft will have more than 2,500 feet of RF cabling, about five times the amount installed in the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, which shares a common airframe with the EA-18G.
"We're right on schedule with the modifications," says Bob Feldmann, EA-18G program manager for Boeing. "Every day, we move closer to our goal of flying this aircraft, and demonstrating its incredible capabilities for our Navy customer."
The cabling runs throughout the entire aircraft and takes special care to install. Cables range in length from 30 to 270 inches, requiring additional time for the installation process, according to Darryl Lyons, the supervisor in the St. Louis modification shop where the work is being completed.
To ensure quality, the cable is tripled-checked, initially by the supplier, then checked after forward fuselage installation, and finally at the aircraft level. Cable installation is one part of the modification of EA-1 and EA-2 scheduled for first flight in September and November 2006, respectively.