The EA-18G Growler is an electronic warfare variant of the Super Hornet that has the ability to disrupt or jam a range of military electronics systems, including radars and communications systems.
The Growler is a Force Level Electronic Warfare capability that will operate in conjunction with our air, land and sea forces. It will improve situational awareness and protect our forces by providing the ability to deny or disrupt an adversary’s use of the electromagnetic spectrum and hence, their electronic systems.
It will be able to support the full spectrum of Defence tasks, from evacuations to major conflicts.
Planned for RAAF Base Amberley, the 12 EA-18G Growlers will complement the F/A-18F Super Hornet and the future F-35A (Joint Strike Fighter).
The $1.5 billion EA-18G Growler purchase includes the aircraft, required mission and support systems, training, and ongoing support to effectively develop and operate a Growler capability. Defence plans to achieve Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in 2018.
General characteristics:
Communication Countermeasures Set (CCS)
- Smaller and more capable than USQ-113 with expandable infrastructure.
- Transmit function through low-band ALQ-99 jammer pod.
INterference CANcellation System (INCANS)
- Provides UHF communications capability during ALQ-99 jamming.
- Significant communication and situational awareness improvement.
| Length | 18.3 metres |
|---|---|
| Height | 4.9 metres |
| Wing span | 13.7 metres |
| Weight (empty) | 15,011 kilos |
| Engines | Two F414-GE-400 engines |
| Thrust | 44,000 lbs |
| Crew | One Pilot, one Weapon Systems Officer |
* Images courtesy Boeing, for illustration purposes only.
For more information please follow these links:
Defence media release: http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2013/05/03/prime-minister-and-minister-for-defence-joint-media-release-2013-defence-white-paper-air-combat-capability/
Air Force Image Gallery: http://ra.af/O41hBs
Boeing: http://ra.af/O8CNa5
