Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>EA-6B>HA5006

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-3 (Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 3) “Moon Dogs” is one of four such USMC units. Based at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina they conduct airborne electronic warfare and in late 2004 were deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan. VMAQ-3 was assigned to the 455th Expeditionary Operations Group as part of Operation Enduring Freedom from January 2005 until August 2005 and was awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation. After Afghanistan EA-6B 160436 was re-assigned a few times before being retired to Castle Air Museum in Atwater, California.

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