Service: Navy and Marine
Corps
Description: The EA-6B Prowler provides an umbrella of protection for strike aircraft, ground troops and ships by jamming enemy radar, electronic data links and communications.
Features: The Prowler is a long-range, all-weather aircraft with advanced electronic countermeasures capability. Manufactured by the Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, it is a twin-engine, mid-wing configured aircraft that has a side by-side cockpit arrangement. The EA-6B war fighting systems includes the ALQ-99 on board receiver, the ALQ-99 pod mounted jamming system, the USQ-113 communications jamming system and the HARM missile. Two significant upgrades now in development are the Improved Capability (ICAP III) and the Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS). The ICAP III, approved for Low Rate Initial Production in June 2003, upgrades the on board receiving system, providing an accurate threat emitter geo-locator and a selective reactive jamming capability against modern threat systems. The ICAP III upgrade includes new cockpit displays, improved systems connectivity, and improved system reliability. The MIDS upgrade provides the ability to receive and utilize data via the Link 16 tactical data link. The Initial Operational Capabilities are planned for March and November 2005, respectively.
Background: The primary mission of the EA-6B Prowler is Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses in support of strike aircraft and ground troops by interrupting enemy electronic activity and obtaining tactical electronic intelligence within the combat area.
Points of Contact:
Navy:
Naval Air Systems Command
PEO-T Public Affairs Department
47123 Buse Road, Unit IPT
Building 2272, Room 454
Patuxent River, MD 20670-5440
301-481-6263
Marine Corps:
Headquarters Marine Corps
Division of Public Affairs
The Pentagon, Room 5D-773
Washington, DC 20380-1775
703-614-1492
General Characteristics:
Primary Function: Electronic countermeasures
Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
Propulsion: Two Pratt & Whitney J52-P408 engines (10,400
pounds thrust each)
Length: 59 feet 10 inches (17.7 meters)
Wingspan: 53 feet (15.9 meters)
Height: 16 feet 8 inches (4.9 meters)
Weight: Maximum Take Off Gross Weight: 61,500 pounds (27,450
kg)
Speed: 500 Kts + (575 mph, 920 kmh)
Range: 1,000 nautical miles+ (1,150 miles, 1,840 km)
Ceiling: 37,600 feet
Crew: Pilot and three electronic countermeasures officers
Armament: AGM-88 HARM Missile
(Block-III/V)
First Flight: 25 May 1968
Operational Capability: July 1971
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