Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>EA-18G>HA5152
EA-18G Growler A46-306, No.6 Sqn "100th Anniversary", RAAF, 2018
General Background
In order to replace their aging EA-6B Prowlers the USN acquired a specialized version of the F/A-
18F Super Hornet, the EA-18G Growler. The Growler is an advanced airborne electronic attack
aircraft capable of tactical jamming and electronic protection. The first EA-18G Growler flight took
place in August 2006 with the first USN production aircraft being delivered to VAQ129 in June
2008. After operational capability testing full production of the EA18G Growler began in late 2009.
In 2010 VAQ-132, 138 and 141 were re-equipped with the Growler.
The Aircraft
RAAF No. 6 Squadron was formed on June 15, 1917 as No. 30 (Australian Training) Squadron.
On February 23, 1948 No. 6 Squadron became the new designation and was based at RAAF
Amberley. As well as F/A-18Fs the RAAF purchased twelve EA-18G Growlers for No. 6 Squadron
that had transferred its F/A-18Fs to No. 1 Squadron. The Growlers arrived between early 2017
and July 2017. EA-18G 169153 arrived February 2, 2017 and designated A46-306 and later in
2017 was given a paint scheme to celebrate No. 6 Squadron’s 100th Anniversary.
Specifications :
| Role: | carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft |
| Crew: | 2 X Pilot and WSO |
| Dimensions | |
| Length: | 60.2 ft (18.3 m) |
| Height: | 16 ft (4.9 m) |
| Wingspan: | 44.9 ft (13.7 m) |
| Weight | |
| Empty: | 33.094 lb (15,011 kg) |
| Maxium Takeoff: | 66,000 lb (29,964 kg) |
| Recovery: | 48,000 lb (21,772 kg) |
| Performance | |
| Power Plant: | 2 X General electric F414-GE400 Turbofans |
| Thrust (Static): | Dry – 14,000 lbf (62.kN) per engine |
| With afterburners: | 22,000 lbf (97.9 kN) per engine |
| External fuel: | 3 X 480 gal tanks (9,774 lb) (4,420 kg) |
| Maximum Speed: | Mach 1.8 (1,190 mph, 1,900 kph) @ 40,000 ft (12,190 m) |
| Range: | Range – 1,275 nmi (2,346 km) |
| Ferry Range: | 1,800 nmi (2,070 km) |
| Service Ceiling: | Service Ceiling – 50,000 ft (15,000 m) |
| Armament: | |
| Hardpoints: | 9 X 6 under wings, 3 X under fuselage |
| Capable of carrying : | 17,750 lb (8,050 kg) external fuel and ordnance |
| 6 under wing hardpoints capable of carrying a combination of Fuel tanks | |
| AN/ALQ-99 Jamming Pods as well as other numerous pods and sensors AGM-88 HARM missiles AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles Wingtip pods – AN/ALQ-218 detection pods |