Aircraft

Electronic-attack aircraft could be subject to sweeping modifications in two years

Boeing’s first two EA-18G Growler electronic-attack aircraft have reached the half-way point of their year-long modification, but already the US Navy is engaged in a debate about whether to launch a sweeping upgrade within the next two years.

The first flight-test aircraft is now being fitted with radio frequency cabling, with its flight debut still planned for September 2006 and the first unit to be operational in 2009, says Boeing.

To replace the navy’s current Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler, the EA-18G is essentially an F/A-18F Super Hornet equipped with the Prowler’s Northrop ALQ-218 Improved Capability III (ICAP III) electronic-warfare receiver suite.

Programme officials have meanwhile completed a roadmap of potential upgrades sought by USN operators covering six areas with major growth potential.

The most significant change could be the need for an all-new jamming pod to replace the ICAP III suite’s ALQ-99, says Boeing EA-18G programme director Bob Feldman.

A “robust discussion” is under way within the navy to assess whether to acquire a new pod or upgrade the ALQ-99, he says, with this to be balanced against ongoing cost trade studies.

Other areas being reviewed for upgrade include greater integration between the ICAP III system and the EA-18G’s Raytheon APG-79 active electronically scanned array radar, plus improved communications jamming, more-capable datalinks, improved mission planning and passive survivability systems, says Feldman.

The debate is escalating as USN budget planners prepare for the five-year spending plan being assembled for fiscal year 2008.

Keeping the EA-18G’s development on schedule could be the first step for winning funding support on upgrades, and all issues raised during a critical design review early this year have now been resolved, says Feldman.

The programme is now focused on incorporating ICAP III hardware and software changes required for the EA-6B system to pass operational evaluation last year.

STEPHEN TRIMBLE/WASHINGTON DC