Grumman EA-6B Prowler |
Militarymedia.net - The EA-6B remains an important element of U.S. naval air power and has taken part in all major U.S. actions since entering service in 1971. Since the retirement of the U.S. Air Force EF-111A Raven in 1998, Prowler has taken full responsibility for electronic warfare missions in U.S. service, with U.S. Air Force/U.S. Navy squadrons operating that type.
Prowler was developed from a previous EA-6A EW variant operating in Vietnam. Externally similar to the A-6 Intruder two-seat attack aircraft, the EA-6B features an extended nose section of 1.37m for a four-seat cockpit, and a distinctive fin pod to accommodate passive receivers for the ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System (TJS). Prowler's advanced ECM system is based on the ALQ-99 TJS and up to ten noise noise emitting transmitters can be carried in five self-powered external jammer pods.
Prowlers delivery production began to the U.S. Navy in January 1971; a total of 170 EA-6Bs were built until 1991. The capabilities and jamming capacity of the EA-6B have been progressively improved since 1973 through the introduction of the EXCAP (Expanded Capability) initiative. Since 1995, the EA-6B has gained the ability to use more direct methods to counter the threat posed by enemy SAM sites. The EA-6B can now act as a shooter with the AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missile.
To keep Prowler well served until the next century, the remaining fuselage began to undergo ICAP-III development. It replaced the ALQ-99 with a better TJS receiver and introduced an integrated communication interference system to give the EA-6B the ability to react to the latest SAM. Prowler currently equips 16 U.S. Marines and four USMC squadrons; five Navy squadrons provided electronic warfare support to usaf expeditionary units. It is expected to remain operational at least until 2015.