EA-18 Squadrons
Abstract
The EA-18G Growler is the primary Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) platform supporting the Joint Force and the sole tactical AEA aircraft in the DoD inventory. The Growler is an asymmetric force multiplier that increases the survivability and lethality of the Joint Force within a non-permissive environment, while enabling all-domain superiority for the Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS). The centrality of EMS dominance to the CNO's Maritime Strategy further necessitates EA-18G modernization as a strategic pursuit to secure EMS superiority for the Navy's Carrier Strike and Joint Expeditionary operations. Due to the rapid advancements of the adversary's capabilities, the EA-18G will be called upon in future engagements to operate at increased ranges from the threat which far exceed the current capability to effectively deliver kinetic and non-kinetic effects. The Growler Block II is a foundational spiral upgrade that will implement the incremental and innovative capability improvements required for Naval Aviation to regain and sustain an advantage in the EMS until the EA-18G replacement. The onboard sensors of the EA-18G, namely the ALQ-218, require improved sensitivity and processing to detect, identify, and locate advanced complex threats at longer ranges. The ALQ-218 Airborne Electronic Attack Systems Enhancement (ASE) is a combination hardware/software upgrade that provides incremental capability improvement and enables the transition to Growler Block II. An Electronic Attack Unit (EAU) upgrade, coupled with the Reactive Electronic Attack Measures (REAM) capability greatly enhances the EA-18G's ability to autonomously process and respond to unknown signals in an extremely dense EMS environment. Capabilities of the EA-18G weapon system and ancillary equipment can be upgraded to accommodate and incorporate new or enhanced weapons as well as advances in technology to respond effectively to emerging and future threats. EA-18G "Flight Plan" spiral capability development is critical to the baseline of the EA-18G next generation mission system capability and to maintaining tactical relevance in support of the Air Wing of the Future. Development continues for design and integration of avionics systems, integration of Jamming Techniques Optimization (JATO) improvements, evolutionary software upgrades via the System Configuration Set (SCS) block builds and Agile software developments, as well as related testing. Through FY2028, EA-18G Growler efforts will focus on developing quality components, with concurrent recurring modification; continuing advanced development engineering; and improving reliability and maintainability. These collective efforts will enhance availability of critical assets to the fleet and maximize lifetime total cost of ownership benefits.
Document Details
- Document Type
- R2 Budgetary Justification
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2024
- Source ID
- 0604269N_5_1319_PB_2024
- Change Summary Explanation
- Technical: Not Applicable Cost: The Department added FY2024 funding in the amount of $75.000 million for EA-18G Growler Block II Beowulf efforts. The FY2024 funding request was decreased by $3.258 million for miscellaneous adjustments. Schedule: Not applicable.
- Service Agency Name
- Navy
Entities
Organizations
- United States Navy
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