NAVAIR

Mission

The primary mission of the EA-6B Prowler is Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses in support of strike aircraft and ground troops by interrupting enemy electronic activity and obtaining tactical electronic intelligence within the combat area.

Description

The Prowler is a long-range, all-weather aircraft with advanced electronic countermeasures capability. Manufactured by the Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, it is a twin-engine, mid-wing configured aircraft that has a side by-side cockpit arrangement. The EA-6B war fighting systems includes the ALQ-99 on board receiver, the ALQ-99 pod mounted jamming system, the USQ-113 communications jamming system and the HARM missile. Two significant upgrades now in development are the Improved Capability (ICAP III) and the Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS). The ICAP III, approved for Low Rate Initial Production in June 2003, upgrades the on board receiving system, providing an accurate threat emitter geo-locator and a selective reactive jamming capability against modern threat systems. The ICAP III upgrade includes new cockpit displays, improved systems connectivity, and improved system reliability. The MIDS upgrade provides the ability to receive and utilize data via the Link 16 tactical data link. The Initial Operational Capabilities are planned for March and November 2005, respectively.

Specifications

Primary Function: Electronic countermeasures.
Date Deployed: First Flight: 25 May 1968; Operational Capability: July 1971.
Propulsion: Two Pratt & Whitney J52-P408 engines (10,400 pounds thrust each).
Length: 59 feet 10 inches (17.7 meters).
Height: 16 feet 8 inches (4.9 meters).
Wingspan: 53 feet (15.9 meters).
Weight: Maximum Take Off Gross Weight: 61,500 pounds (27,450 kg).
Airspeed: 500 Kts + (575 mph, 920 kmh).
Ceiling: 37,600 feet.
Range: 1,000 nautical miles+ (1,150 miles, 1,840 km).
Crew: Pilot and three electronic countermeasures officers.
Prime Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation.
Service: Navy and Marine Corps