What Makes the EA-18G Growler the King of Electronic Warfare?

The story of the Growler began in the early 2000s. As the US Navy's EA-6B Prowler fleet, which had been in service since 1971, started showing signs of age and fatigue, a replacement was needed. Thus, the call for a new, more capable electronic attack aircraft was made.
By September 2007, six EA-18G Growlers had been delivered and were undergoing operational testing.
The Growler, based on the proven F/A-18F Super Hornet, was more than just a derivative. It was an evolution.
The cockpit of the Growler is a high-tech space where the pilot and electronic warfare officer work in tandem to operate the aircraft's systems. This aircraft is also fitted with a Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), allowing the pilot to aim sensors and weapons wherever they're looking.
The electronic warfare suite of the Growler is its true power center. Initially, the suite included up to three AN/ALQ-99 radar jamming pods, an AN/ALQ-218(V)2 receiver, and a Raytheon AN/ALQ-227 communications countermeasures set.
The Growler can carry AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles for self-defense, and is equipped with an M61A1 20 mm cannon. The aircraft can also carry AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARM) and the advanced AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM), both designed to target enemy radar systems. It can carry a range of smart bombs, including laser-guided bombs and GPS-guided Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) and can be equipped with the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) and the AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile.
Join our KZbin channel by clicking here: bit.ly/3asNo2n
Find us on Instagram: bit.ly/3PM21xW
Find us on Facebook: bit.ly/3t2Huvb
Find us on Twitter: bit.ly/3wQfXzA
Find us on TikTok: bit.ly/3wNsBOu
Get the latest stories: interestingengineering.com/
Support IE for high-quality journalism: interestingengineering.com/su...

[@Interestingengineeringofficial]

⚙ Want to know more about the latest tech and innovations? Don’t Miss Out!

[@johnherbold5451]

I don't believe that the EA-18G ("Growler") has a 20mm canon like the Super Hornet does. There's no room for it on the Growler!!

[@WarGasm0824]

They had to ditch the M-61A1 in favor of electronic warfare equipment. It can fly unescorted because it can carry the AIM-9X high off boresight Sidewinder and AIM-120D AMRAAM Scorpion.

[@victorinoiilubang2539]

But China says if "defeated" the Growler.

[@atlet1]

False! Others have commented at some false claims. Growler is not unique. Russia have similar capabilities. Gripen E have all capabilities of Growler plus M2, supercruise, long range, high agility, high availability, low visibility, GaN tech, spherical action EW, multifunctional stealthy broadband radio link to other airplanes and two other radio links for the rest of the military force. It's a omni role fighter that can do ever mission very good, even in the same flight. Everything is built in, except long wavelength EW pod and RECCE pod.

[@Tsepher_W_T]

One thing people don’t know is that it’s predecessor the EA-6B was even better at its role

[@Angry.General1461]

It's just an F-18 carrying a heavier load. They should have kept the F-14 in service!

[@whalehands4779]

Besides the f35, i think this is the most potent aircraft in the sky. Imagine if the AF did this with the f15ex.

[@edwardcook2973]

Still not as good as the Prowler.

[@chuckdales5605]

This is one good-looking aircraft!

[@smeary10]

Flown and operated by only two nations. The US and Australia.

[@Edgeverse]

It looks so similar to the F-18. What a beast!

[@liamlogan669]

"We do a microscopic amount of trolling" - EA18 Growler Pilot and Electronic Warfare Officer

[@dougaldouglas8842]

Should do one on the Euro Fighter Typhoon, and what a beast.

[@user-vq8xw7fh4r]

Extra-outstanding Us. 🦅 Force superiority innovation ! Dale 🦅

[@trumanhw]

To get an idea of just how underpowered the F-18 series is:

[@alexandermetcalfe7750]

The cockpit layout information at

[@johngodden4363]

Understand Australia has 11 growlers currently. The twelfth caught fire during training exercises. Also believe another five are on order.

[@josemoreno3334]

Cool.

[@chrismair8161]

The Energy!