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 EA-18G Growler began in late
2009. In 2010 VAQ-132, 138 and 141 were re-equipped with the Growler.

RAAF No. 6 Squadron was formed on June 15, 1917 as No. 30 (Australian Training) Squadron.
On February 23, 1948 No. 6 Squadron became the new designation and was based at RAAF
Amberley. As well as F/A-18Fs the RAAF purchased twelve EA-18G Growlers for No. 6 Squadron
that had transferred its F/A-18Fs to No. 1 Squadron. The Growlers arrived between early 2017
and July 2017. EA-18G 169153 arrived February 2, 2017 and designated A46-306 and later in
2017 was given a paint scheme to celebrate No. 6 Squadron’s 100th Anniversary.

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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