GROWLER ELECTRONIC ATTACKER

摘要

Last year was a pivotal one for the Boeing EA-18G Growler and the electronic attack community based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington State. The Growler, a derivative of the Block Ⅱ F/A-18F Super Hornet, provides electronic attack (EA) capability and has recently replaced the Grumman EA-6B Prowler in the US Navy. As with the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet programme, the Growler will serve well into the 2040s, and because of this longevity, it is the focal point of several enhancements to ensure it remains relevant as enemy air defences mature. The year 2014 opened with Boeing responding to the Pentagon's failure to include any funding for additional Growler procurement in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 budget. As the year progressed, the navy worked to determine precisely how many Growlers are needed to protect US and Allied air forces, both in total and in each squadron. In May, Boeing marked the delivery of the 100th Growler to the US Navy and, following up on contracts entered into in mid-2013, the company and Northrop Grumman began production of the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) first of 12 Growlers. By year's end an additional 15 Growlers were approved, ensuring Boeing's St Louis production line will continue until late 2017.