EA-18G Growler Airborne Electronic Attack Aircraft - Navy.mil
The first Growler test aircraft went into production in October 2004 and made its first flight in August 2006.
www.navy.milappeared at 2004 production start, entered production in 2004; first flight occurred in 2006; IOC with the Navy around 2009 timeframe; deployment began in 2010 year; unit cost about $67 million. carries AGM-88 HARM missiles for SEAD, using advanced jamming pods and AESA-related systems to suppress defenses and shield allied forces. Capable of speeds up to Mach 1.8 and operates at altitudes up to about 50,000 feet, with a typical combat range near 1,275 miles without external fuel. The aircraft remains a twin-engine, carrier-based electronic warfare asset developed from the F/A-18F Super Hornet, designed to jam radar and communications while escorting strike packages. The Growler has an emphasis on defense suppression to enable mission success. Designed to jam, protect, and project electronic attack against integrated air defenses. Unit cost cited around $67 million, with deployment starting a decade ago. It integrates AES-related systems to improve battlefield communications suppression. Operational role centers on suppression of enemy air defenses while shielding allied strike packages.