Boeing

EA-18G Growler aircraft in flight over desert terrain and water.

EA-18G Growler

A variant of the combat-proven F/A-18F Super Hornet, the EA-18G Growler provides tactical jamming and electronic protection to U.S. military forces and allies around the world.

Advanced Electronics Jamming

The EA-18G Growler is the most advanced airborne electronic attack (AEA) platform and is the only one in production today. A variant of the combat-proven F/A-18F Super Hornet, the Growler provides tactical jamming and electronic protection to U.S. military forces and allies around the world. Industry and the U.S. Navy continue to invest in advanced Growler capabilities to ensure it continues to protect all strike aircraft during high-threat missions for decades to come.

Milestones

EA-18G Growler Technical Specifications

Length 60.2 ft (18.3 m)
Height 16 ft (4.9 m)
Wing Span 44.9 ft (13.7 m)
Weight Empty 33,094 lbs (15,011.2 kg)
Recovery Weight 48,000 lbs (21,772.4 kg)
Internal Fuel 13,940 lbs (6,323.1 kg)
Max External Fuel 9,744 lbs (4,419.8 kg)
Engines (2) F414-GE-400
Thrust 44,000 lbs
Spot Factor 1.23
Crew One Pilot, one Weapon Systems Officer

Feature Stories

EA-18G Growler

Super Hornet and Growler demonstrate capabilities in HX Challenge

February 20, 2020 in defense

The F/A-18 Super Hornet and E/A-18 Growler are in Finland for the HX Challenge, the test and evaluation event being hosted by the Finnish air force as they select their next fighter aircraft.

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EA-18G Growler

Growler: Providing Critical Protection to Our Warfighters

November 5, 2014 in Defense

Hear from Electronic Attack Squadron 139 (VAQ-139) – the Cougars -- who detail how important their missions are.

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EA-18G Growler

Growler: First in With Electronic Attack

July 1, 2014 in Defense

In the suppression of enemy air defenses, the EA-18G Growler is the 'tip of the spear' for the battle, enabling warfighters to counter threats, undetected.

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EA-18G Growler

Staying off the Radar

May 1, 2014 in Defense

By jamming enemy radar, the EA-18G Growler helps aircrews reach their target without being detected. The Growler is an elite electronic attack aircraft that helps save lives.

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EA-18G Growler Customers

The EA-18G Growler is the U.S. Navy replacement for the EA-6B Prowler. In June 2014, Boeing was awarded a contract for 12 Growlers to be acquired by the Royal Australian Air Force under a Foreign Military Sales agreement with the U.S. Navy. Australia is the first country to be offered this level of AEA technology by the United States, which will give the RAAF unmatched electronic awareness and attack capabilities. Australia is the first country ever to be offered this level of Airborne Electronic Attack technology by the United States.

  • Australia Flag

    Australia

  • U.S. Flag

    United States

EA-18G Growler Quick Facts

  • Provides critical electronic intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) data to other joint force aircraft
  • Brings fighter aircraft speed and maneuverability to an electronic attack aircraft
  • The ability to self protect against adversarial aircraft using its AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles
  • Enhanced radar image resolution, targeting and tracking range through its APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system
  • Uninterrupted radio communications in a heavily jammed environment using its Interference Cancellation System
  • Unequaled aircrew situational awareness and head-up control of aircraft targeting systems and sensors using its Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System
  • The ability to locate, record, play back and digitally jam enemy communications over a broad frequency range using its ALQ-227 Communications Countermeasures Set
  • Provides advanced survivability and electronic protection for ground, air and maritime combat forces
  • High reliability and lower operating costs