Hobby Master – EA-18G Growler Boeing , ‚166894‘ Electronic Attack Squadron 132 (VAQ-132) USN „Operation Odyssey Dawn“ , Aviano AB 2011

The Boeing EA-18G Growler is an American carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft, a specialized version of the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet. The EA-18G replaced the Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowlers in service with the United States Navy. The Growler’s electronic warfare capability is primarily provided by Northrop Grumman. The EA-18G began production in 2007 and entered operational service with the US Navy in late 2009. Australia has also purchased twelve EA-18Gs, which entered service with the Royal Australian Air Force in 2017.

Role	Electronic warfare aircraft
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Boeing
First flight	15 August 2006
Introduction	22 September 2009
Status	In service
Primary users	United States Navy Royal Australian Air Force
Produced	2004–present
Number built	100, as of May 2014
Unit cost	US$68.2 million (flyaway cost, FY2012)
Developed from	Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet

General characteristics

• Crew: 2
• Length: 60 ft 1.25 in (18.31 m)
• Wingspan: 44 ft 8.5 in (13.62 m) (including wingtip-mounted pods)
• Height: 16 ft (4.88 m)
• Wing area: 500 ft² (46.5 m²)
• Empty weight: 33,094 lb (15,011 kg)
• Loaded weight: 48,000 lb (21,772 kg) ; recovery weight
• Max. takeoff weight: 66,000 lb (29,964 kg)
• Internal fuel capacity: 13,940 lb (6,323 kg)
• External fuel capacity: (3 x 480 gal tanks): 9,774 lb (4,420 kg)
• Powerplant: 2 × General Electric F414-GE-400 turbofans
  • Dry thrust: 14,000 lbf (62.3 kN) each
  • Thrust with afterburner: 22,000 lbf (97.9 kN) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: Mach 1.8 (1,190 mph, 1,900 km/h) at 40,000 ft (12,190 m)
• Range: 1,275 nmi (2,346 km) ; clean plus two AIM-9s
• Combat radius: 390 nmi (449 mi, 722 km) ; for interdiction mission
• Ferry range: 1,800 nmi (2,070 mi, 3,330 km) ; range without ordnance
• Service ceiling: >50,000 ft (15,000 m)
• Wing loading: 92.8 lb/ft² (453 kg/m²)
• Thrust/weight: 0.93