EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare aircraft |
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Description
The EA-6B Prowler provides an umbrella of protection for strike aircraft, ground troops and ships by jamming enemy radar, electronic data links and communications. |
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Features
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. |
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Background
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. |
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Service
Navy and Marine Corps |
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Point Of Contact
Navy:
Naval Air Systems Command
PEO-T Public Affairs Department
47123 Buse Road, Unit IPT
Building 2272, Room 454
Patuxent River, MD 20670-5440
301-481-6263
Marine Corps:
Headquarters Marine Corps
Division of Public Affairs
The Pentagon, Room 5D-773
Washington, DC 20380-1775
703-614-1492 |
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General Characteristics
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| Primary Function: Electronic countermeasures. |
| Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation. |
| 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. |
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| Last Update: 5 February 2009 |
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