The EA-18G Growler
is a derivative of the F/A-18F Super Hornet, that has
been flying from carriers since 1997
ST. LOUIS, June 12, 2006 -- The Boeing [NYSE: BA] EA-18G
program test team reached a key milestone May 30 when it
flew a modified F/A-18F equipped with wingtip antenna and
high- and low-band jamming pods for the first time. The
flight was part of ongoing flying qualities and carrier
suitability testing to validate the EA-18G's shipboard
effectiveness. The EA-18G Growler is a derivative of the
F/A-18F Super Hornet, that has been flying from carriers
since 1997.
The three-month carrier suitability tests, flown by U.S.
Navy pilots, include catapult launches and cable
arrestments from test facilities at Naval Air Station
Patuxent River, Md. Initial tests will measure aircraft
loads to verify that the landing gear and airframe meet
design specifications. The tests also will monitor the
catapult and arrestment systems to assess if the Growler
settings are accurate.
"These tests are a big milestone for the EA-18G
program," said Mike Gibbons, Boeing EA-18G program
manager. "We know the Super Hornet airframe works
well in challenging at-sea conditions. Now we're
verifying that the EA-18G, with potentially greater
bringback for fuel and weapons capacity, will work just
as well."
Over 25 flights, the carrier suitability tests will
measure how well the Growler performs in a variety of
takeoff and landing situations, including high sink, free
flight engagement, on- and off-center catapults and
arrestments. The EA-18G testing will allow for higher
landing weights than the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to
provide greater flexibility in the return of high-value
jamming pods plus other weapons and stores.
Boeing, acting as the weapon system integrator and prime
contractor, leads the EA-18G Growler industry team.
Northrop Grumman is the principal subcontractor and
airborne electronic attack subsystem integrator. The
Hornet Industry Team will divide EA-18G production across
Boeing, Northrop Grumman, General Electric and Raytheon
manufacturing facilities. The System Design and
Development program concludes with an Initial Operational
Capability in 2009. Naval Air Systems Command PMA-265 is
the U.S. Navy acquisition office for the EA-18G.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense
Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense
businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated
Defense Systems is a $30.8 billion business. It provides
network-centric system solutions to its global military,
government and commercial customers. It is a leading
provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
systems; the world's largest military aircraft
manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer;
a foremost developer of advanced concepts and
technologies; a leading provider of space-based
communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S.
missile defense; NASA's largest contractor; and a global
leader in sustainment solutions and launch services.
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Photo:
Boeing Media
Source: Boeing Press Release
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