EA-18G Growler approved for full-rate production

Another milestone was achived for the Navy's newest Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) aircraft.  The DOD approved Boeing's EA-18G Growler for full-rate production to about 20 aircraft per year; the total amount is 44 Growlers, valued at $386 million.  The EA-18G, which is based on the vaunted F/A-18E/F Block II Super Hornet, will replace the Navy's current AEA platform, the EA-6B Prowler, developed by the Grumman Corporation in the 1970's.  The Growler will be the only type of aircraft capable of full-spectrum electronic attack, from disrupting enemy communications to jamming potential surface-to-air threats.  And unlike the old Prowler, the Growler will be able to capably defend itself with its nine available weapon stations, which means that it can use the same weapons that the Super Hornet uses.

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