EA18G Growler (US Navy, RAAF)

The Boeing EA-18 G Growler was designed to fulfill a specific U.S. Navy requirement. The aim was to commission a specialized carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft to replace the outdated Grumman EA-6B Prowler. The Growler is directly derived from the tandem-seat fighter F/A-18 F Super Hornet and retains all of its main aerodynamic features and characteristics. Its General Electric engines enable the Growler to attain a maximum speed of mach 1.8 and its flight performance is similar to that of the main carrier-based aircraft. The 2-man crew consists of the pilot and a WSO (Weapon System Officer). In place of the F/A-18's 20 mm cannon the Growler has a dedicated electronic warfare system mounted. Additionally, on its hard points, the Growler can carry high and low band jamming pods, additional fuel tanks and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles.