Sta per entrare in produzione il nuovo velivolo EW della Navy che
sostituira il venerabile EA-6, si tratta dell EA-18G, una versione dedicata
dell'Hornet.
The Boeing EA-18G Growler is a carrier-based electronic warfare version of the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet. It is slated to begin production in 2008, with fleet deployment in 2009. The EA-18G will replace the Navy's EA-6B Prowler.
The Growler has more than 90% in common with the standard Super Hornet, sharing airframe, AESA radar and weapon systems such as the AN/AYK-22 Stores Management System. The 20mm Vulcan cannon is removed from the nose to add additional electronics (and in other parts of the airframe as well), ALQ-218 wingtip receivers are added to the wings, also ALQ-99 high-band and low-band jammers. The jamming equipment and external fuel tanks adds drag, despite such; the EA-18G will have longer range and loiter time over the target area[citation needed].
EA-18Gs will carry AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles for self-defense, and two AGM-88 HARM missiles, or AGM-88E AARGM (Advanced Anti-Radiaiton Guided) missiles for destroying enemy radar sites. Boeing is looking into other potential upgrades, the AN/ALQ-99 radar jamming pod might be replaced in the future, and they’re looking into adding weapons and replacing the satellite communications receiver for the 2008 budget.
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