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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