The first flight of a Boeing EA-18G Growler test aircraft in August marked a new chapter in the evolution of Navy radar jamming aircraft. The Growler is slated to begin replacing the Navy's venerable EA-6B Prowler in 2009. Prowlers have been the sole tactical aircraft providing electronic jamming of enemy air defense radars for all of the U.S. services since 1996, following a decision by the Air Force to retire its EF-111A Ravens. The EA-6B, built by Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems in Bethpage, N.Y., initially entered service in 1971, and its jamming suite has been upgraded several times.
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