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.milattended 2004 production start, entered production in 2004; first flight occurred in 2006; IOC with the Navy around 2009; 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. Equipped for 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 counter-defenses to support mission success. Designed to jam, protect, and project electronic attack against integrated air defenses. Price tag cited around $67 million, with deployment starting a decade ago. It integrates AES-related systems to improve battlefield communications suppression. Operational profile centers on suppression of enemy air defenses while shielding allied strike packages.