Northrop Grumman has successfully delivered the 100th airborne electronic attack (AEA) kit for the EA-18G Growler aircraft.
A critical component of the aircraft, the AEA kit enables troops to target and attack the most complex enemy communication and air defence systems.
US Navy F/A-18 and EA-18G programme manager captain Frank Morley said: "Every airborne electronic attack subsystem they have produced is of the highest quality, allowing us to stay ahead of current and evolving threats."
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems electronic attack / maritime systems integration programmes director Doug Shaffer said the company, with the delivery of the 100th EA-18G AEA kit, continues to provide a high-quality product to those who protect the nation.
"We are proud to carry on the company’s legacy in developing and producing world-class airborne electronic attack technology platforms," Shaffer said.
Featuring wing tip pods, gun bay pallets as well as antennas and receivers, the AEA kit includes the ALQ-218 antenna/tactical jamming system receiver to enable selective reactive jamming capability and accurate emitter identification, location and analysis.
The AN/ALQ-227 communication countermeasures set / electronic attack unit of the kit can intercept, process and jam signals, while determining their direction.
The company is developing various AEA kit components at its facilities in Bethpage, New York; St. Augustine, Florida and Baltimore, Maryland, US.
Developed to replace the US Navy’s aging EA-6B Prowler aircraft which entered service in 1971, the Growler aircraft is a derivative of the two-seat F/A-18 Hornet and is used to conduct electronic attack (EA) and suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD).
Capable of operating from either an aircraft carrier or from land bases, the Growler aircraft is armed with AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAM) and AGM-88 high-speed anti-radiation missiles (HARM).
