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.
Advanced Capabilities
First-day Ready
The Growler’s unique airborne electronic attack capabilities make it one of the first aircraft into the fight, as it suppresses ground defenses for other strikes.
Airborne Electronic Attack
The Growler provides selective, reactive and pre-emptive jamming capabilities, the majority of which fit in the gun bay and in two wingtip pods.
Self Protect and Time-Critical Strike Support
With its Advanced Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, digital data links and air-to-air missiles, the Growler has self-protection capability and is effective for target identification and prosecution.
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
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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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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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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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.
Learn MoreEA-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.
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Australia
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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