Navy contracts with Boeing for EA-18G Growler electronic warfare (EW) avionics upgrades and advanced cockpit
Summary points:
- Boeing will provide 30 NGEAU B-kits and 22 spares for the EA-18G Growler Block II electronic warfare upgrade.
- Work will upgrade sensors, jamming systems, and processing with modular B-kits complementing A-kit aircraft modifications.
- Growler Block II features plug-and-play EW, multi-level security, and shared systems with the F/A-18E/F Block III jet fighter-bomber.
PATUXENT RIVER NAS, Md. – U.S. Navy airborne electronic warfare (EW) experts needed components necessary to upgrade the EA-18G Growler EW jet to the Growler Block II. They found a solution from the Boeing Co.
Officials of the Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md., announced a $53.1 million order earlier this month to the Boeing Defense, Space & Security segment in St. Louis for 30 next-generation electronic attack unit (NGEAU) B-kits and 22 NGEAU B-kit Spares for the Growler Block II phase 1 upgrade.
NGEAU B-kits are modular hardware that complement the NGEAU A-kits, which include aircraft modifications for EW enhancements. B kits will help upgrade the Growler's sensors, processing, and jamming equipment to meet modern threats beyond what the Growler's baseline ALQ-99 jamming pods can do.
The Growler Block II will pursue more capable EW tactics via modular avionics upgrades in the field. It brings plug-and-play EW processing, multi-level security, and upgraded resource management.
Advanced cockpit system
The Growler Block II includes an advanced cockpit system and other internal improvements in common with the F/A-18E/F Block III jet fighter-bomber, and upgraded airborne electronic attack suite to enable the Growler to meet today's most advanced threats.
The plane carries two AIM-120 radar-guided air-to-air missiles three ALQ-99 airborne EW systems, two AGM-88 HARM anti-radar missiles; and two 480-gallon external fuel tanks.
On this order Boeing will do the work in Minneapolis; Linthicum, Md.; and St. Louis, and should be finished by December 2028. For more information contact Boeing Defense, Space & Security online at www.boeing.com/defense/ea-18g-growler, or Naval Air Systems Command at www.navair.navy.mil.
About the Author
John Keller
Editor-in-Chief
John Keller is the Editor-in-Chief, Military & Aerospace Electronics Magazine--provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronics and optoelectronic technologies in military, space and commercial aviation applications. John has been a member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since 1989 and chief editor since 1995.