Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>EA-6B>HA5005
Grumman EA-6B Prowler "Operation Iraqi Freedom" 163892, VMAQ-2, Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, 2008
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
VMAQ-2 began as VMC-2 Widowmakers on September 15, 1952 at MCAS Cherry Point, North
Carolina. On December 1, 1955 the squadron was re-designated as VMCJ-2 and since this was
the launch of Playboy magazine they assumed the name and logo with the magazines permission
until 1993 when they became the Panthers. Panthers lasted until 2000 when they finally became
Death Jesters. VMAQ-2 deployed to Al Asad AB, Iraq in January 2006, again in July 2007 and
once again from September 2008 until April 2009.
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 |