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BULGARIAN MILITARY
Earlier this year, it came to light that the US Navy, under an “emergency response” program aimed at countering Yemen’s Houthi attack drones, was working on integrating AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles into its EA-18G electronic warfare aircraft. Additionally, they have expanded the use of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles.
Recently, it was disclosed that an EA-18G Growler aircraft successfully shot down an aerial target, potentially a Houthi drone, while deployed from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. The entire carrier strike group has just returned from a nine-month deployment, during which hundreds of rockets and other munitions were fired, according to reports from The War Zone.
According to the US Navy, the 130th Electronic Warfare Squadron, also known as the Zappers, made history by becoming the first squadron to achieve victory over an enemy aircraft with an EA-18G Growler EW aircraft.
Commander Carl Ellsworth described the recent deployment as extremely challenging, noting it involved “many extensions, limited opportunities for rest and recovery, and actual combat.” He went on to call it “the most dynamic action at sea since World War II,” underlining the incredibly difficult circumstances faced by their squadron.
Interestingly, during this deployment, the EA-18G Growler made headlines by destroying a Mi-24 helicopter. Back in May, the US Air Force had even released a photo with a note about this “downed” aircraft.
It was later revealed that the helicopter was taken out by an advanced anti-radar missile, the AGM-88E [AARGM], an upgraded version of the well-known AGM-88 HARM air-to-ground missile.
The EA-18G Growler is an American carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft developed by Boeing. It is a specialized version of the F/A-18F Super Hornet and serves primarily in the electronic attack role, providing tactical jamming and electronic protection to U.S. military forces.
The dimensions of the EA-18G Growler include a length of 60.3 feet [18.5 meters], a wingspan of 44.9 feet [13.7 meters], and a height of 16 feet [4.88 meters]. The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 66,000 pounds [29,937 kilograms].
The EA-18G Growler is powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400 turbofan engines. Each engine produces 22,000 pounds of thrust, enabling the aircraft to reach speeds of up to Mach 1.8 [approximately 1,190 miles per hour or 1,915 kilometers per hour].
Technical characteristics of the EA-18G Growler include advanced electronic warfare systems, such as the AN/ALQ-218 receiver system and the AN/ALQ-99 jamming pods. These systems allow the aircraft to detect, identify, and disrupt enemy radar and communications.
The EA-18G Growler is equipped with various types of control systems, including fly-by-wire flight controls and advanced avionics systems. The fly-by-wire system enhances the aircraft’s stability and maneuverability, while the avionics systems provide the pilot and electronic warfare officer with critical situational awareness.
The avionics suite of the EA-18G Growler includes the AN/APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array [AESA] radar, which provides high-resolution targeting and tracking capabilities. Additionally, the aircraft is equipped with the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System [JHMCS] for improved targeting and situational awareness.
In terms of armament, the EA-18G Growler can carry a variety of weapons, including AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles for self-defense. It is also capable of carrying AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles, which are designed to target and destroy enemy radar installations.
The operational range of the EA-18G Growler is approximately 1,275 nautical miles [2,361 kilometers] without refueling. However, the aircraft’s range can be extended through aerial refueling, allowing it to conduct longer missions and provide sustained electronic warfare support.