dfw.comJeff Douglas vom Star Telegram wrote:Boeing rolls out first EA-18G Growler for Navy
ST. LOUIS - Boeing Co.'s defense operation in St. Louis on Thursday unveiled the first EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft for the U.S. Navy, a next-generation radar jamming jet that promises more protection for service members.
The $9 billion project for 90 aircraft that can detect enemy radar and jam it replaces its four-seat, 30-year-old predecessor, the EA-6B Prowler.
"This rollout comes none too soon," said Navy Admiral Mike Mullen, Chief of Naval Operations. "As we speak the Growler's predecessor, the EA-6B Prowlers, are themselves flying vital missions over Iraq and Afghanistan and they need to be replaced as soon as possible."
Chicago-based Boeing unveiled the aircraft to a crowd of about 500 aviation industry partners, Naval personnel and elected officials.
The Growler's first flight will be later this month and it will join the Navy's aircraft fleet in 2009, according to Navy officials.
The new Navy jets will be based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., and will begin to phase out Prowler squadrons from 2008 to 2013. The number of new aircraft per squadron has not been decided, Boeing officials said.
The Prowler was becoming incapable of keeping up with more modern attack aircraft and the leaner two-passenger Growler which is considered a bodyguard or escort in U.S. military air strike operations, is faster.
The new jet has an Airborne Electronic Attack system that can detect a radar's electronic energy and signal strength to shut it off.
U.S. Rep Todd Akin, R-Mo., has said Growler production at Boeing's St. Louis Integrated Defense Systems facility means jobs and economic development for the area.
It also will make for increased survivability for service members like his sons, he said, one in the U.S. Naval Academy and the other a Marine who has served in the Middle East.
"I was committed to make sure that they have the very best possible equipment that they can get," said Akin, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. "Today for me is a little bit like Christmas time."
Growler Roll-Out
Growler Roll-Out
For radar identification, throw your jumpseat rider out the window.
lg. Kingair