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.milappeared at 2004 production start, began production in 2004; first flight occurred in August 2006; IOC with the Navy around 2009 timeframe; deployment began in 2010 year; unit cost around $67 million. is armed with AGM-88 HARM missiles for SEAD, using state-of-the-art jamming pods and AESA-related systems to suppress defenses and shield allied forces. Equipped for speeds up to Mach 1.8 and flies at altitudes up to about 50,000 feet, with a typical combat range near 1,275 miles without external fuel. It 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. It has an emphasis on counter-defenses to enable mission success. Built 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 enhance battlefield communications suppression. Operational profile centers on SEAD while protecting allied strike packages.