Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>EA-6B>HA5003

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

VAQ-135 “Black Ravens” was established on May 5, 1969 stationed at NAS Alamdeda. Equipped with the Douglas EKA-3B Skywarrior their task was to provide electronic warfare and aerial refueling. In 1973 VAQ-135 moved to NAS Whidbey Island and re-equipped with the Grumman EA-6B Prowler. From November 1977 to July 1978 VAQ-135 deployed aboard the USS Nimitz in the Mediterranean. In the early 1980s Prowler 159909 C/N P-56 made the first of several moves and went to VMAQ-2 “Playboys”. In November 2010 VAQ-135 traded their EA-6Bs for the EA-18G Growler.

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