In order to replace their aging EA-6B Prowlers the USN acquired a specialized version of the F/A-
18F Super Hornet, the EA-18G Growler. The Growler is an advanced airborne electronic attack
aircraft capable of tactical jamming and electronic protection. The first EA-18G Growler flight took
place in August 2006 with the first USN production aircraft being delivered to VAQ129 in June
2008. After operational capability testing full production of the EA18G Growler began in late 2009.
In 2010 VAQ-132, 138 and 141 were re-equipped with the Growler.

In the spring of 2012 VAQ-141 Shadowhawks transferred from NAS Whidbey Island, Washington
to NAF Atsugi, Japan and assigned to the USS George Washington. In 2015 VAQ-141 crossed
decks to the USS Ronald Reagan and in 2017 spent three months deployed in the Indo-Asia
Pacific region. When the unit returned on November 28 VAQ-141 relocated to MCAS Iwakuni.
One of the VAQ-141 Growlers was 168893 c/n G-91 that originally had been assigned to
VAQ-129 Vikings as NJ-543.

Specifications for the EA-18G Growler

Role - carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft

Crew – 2 X Pilot and WSO

Dimensions
Length – 60.2 ft   (18.3 m)
Height – 16 ft   (4.9 m)
Wingspan - 44.9 ft   (13.7 m)

Weight
Empty – 33.094 lb   (15,011 kg)
Maximum Takeoff – 66,000 lb   (29,964 kg)
Recovery – 48,000 lb   (21,772 kg)

Performance
Powerplants – 2 X General electric F414-GE400 Turbofans
Thrust
Dry – 14,000 lbf   (62.kN) per engine
With afterburners – 22,000 lbf   (97.9 kN) per engine
Internal fuel – 13,940 lb   (6,323 kg)
External fuel – 3 X 480 gal tanks   (9,774 lb)   (4,420 kg)
Maximum Speed – Mach 1.8   (1,190 mph, 1,900 kph) @ 40,000 ft   (12,190 m)
Range – 1,275 nmi   (2,346 km)
Ferry Range – 1,800 nmi   (2,070 km)
Service Ceiling – 50,000 ft   (15,000 m)

Armament
Hardpoints – 9 X 6 under wings, 3 X under fuselage
Capable of carrying – 17,750 lb   (8,050 kg) external fuel and ordnance
6 under wing hardpoints capable of carrying a combination of
Fuel tanks
AN/ALQ-99 Jamming Pods as well as other numerous pods and sensors
AGM-88 HARM missiles
AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles
Wingtip pods – AN/ALQ-218 detection pods

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