Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>EA-6B>HA5001
EA-6B Prowler 164402, VAQ-136 Gauntlets, late 2011
General Background
Based on the A-6 Intruder the Northrop Grumman (formerly Grumman) EA-6B Prowler primary
mission is to support strike aircraft and ground forces by interrupting enemy electronics and
gathering tactical intelligence. The aircraft carries 4-crew and is in service with the USN and
USMC. The first USN EA-6B was retired on June 10, 2011 and the last carrier deployment by an
EA-6B took place on November 14, 2014. The USN will replace the EA-6B with the Boeing
EA-18G Growler. The USMC will continue using the EA-6B until 2019.
The Aircraft
Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ-136 “Gauntlets” was formed at NAS Whidbey Island,
Oak Harbor, Washington on April 6, 1973. In 1978 they moved to Atsugi, Japan and assigned to
the USS Midway of Carrier Wing 5. The “Gauntlets” were the first Prowler squadron to launch
assaults against Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. In 2008 VAQ-136 cross-decked from the
USS Kitty Hawk” to the USS George Washington. On March 11, 2011 a tsunami hit Japan so
VAQ-136 deployed to Guam and from June until November 2011 they were on the
USS George Washington.
Specifications :
| Role: | Electronic Attack |
| First Flight: | May 25, 1968 |
| Operationally Ready: | July 1971 |
| Crew: | 4 x (Pilot and 3 Electronic Countermeasures Officers) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length: | 59 feet 10 inches (17.7 m) |
| Wingspan | 53 feet (15.9 m) |
| Height: | 16 feet 8 inches (4.9 m) |
| Performance | |
| Cruise: | 418 kts / 481 mph (775 km/h) |
| Maximum: | 566 kts / 651 mph (1,049 km/h) |
| Rate of Climb: | 12,900 ft/min (65.53 m/s) |
| Service Ceiling: | 37,600 ft (11,460 m) |
| Range: | 1,000+ nm /1,150+ miles (1,840+ km) |
| Weights | |
| Empty: | 31,160 lbs (14,134 kg) |
| Maximum Take Off: | 61,500 pounds (27,450 kg) |
| Armament/Weapons: | 4 x AGM-88 HARM |
| 5 x AN/ALQ-99 Low Band Jamming Pods |