My Review and Build of Hasegawa's 1/72 scale Kit #E38,
US Navy, Boeing EA-18G Growler
Introduction and What's in the Box - August 14, 2015
Introduction:
For decades the US Navy has operated a dedicated Electronic Warfare aircraft from its carriers called the EA-6B Prowler. They were an all new development and build of the A-6 Intruder, with a four man cockpit, and specifically designed to carry electronic jamming pods and other electronic warfare equipment, as well as offensive, anti-radiation missiles to destroy enemy radars. These aircraft served ably for decades and were continuously upgraded. But as their airframes saw more and more use, it became apparent that the US Navy needed a new Electronic Warfare platform.
In order to do so, the US Navy turned to a proven platform that they were already operating. The F/A-18F Super Hornet. The two-man version of the super Hornet was ideally suited to be redesigned for the Electronic Warfare role.
In December of 2003, the US Navy awarded a development contract to Boeing to develop an all new electronic warfare version of the "F" Model Super Hornet. Boeing came up with a design where they would build the forward fuselage, the wings, and perform final assembly. Northrop Grumman was subcontracted to built the center and aft fuselage as well as the principal electronic combat system. At the time, the US Navy expected to build 90 of these new Electronic Warfare aircraft which was named the EA-18G Growler.
Construction of the first EA-18G test aircraft began in October of 2004. This aircraft, known as EA-1, rolled out of the Boeing plant in early August of 2006. It made its first flight on August 15, 2006; After being ferried to NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, the EA-1 aircraft began its full ground testing at the Air Combat Environment Test and Evaluation Facility.
Aircraft EA-2 first flew in November 2006. EA-2 became the first AEA flight test aircraft for developmental testing at NAS Patuxent River, but then transferred to the Electronic Combat Range at the Naval Air Weapons Station at China Lake in California. Both initial aircraft were assigned to VX-23 "Salty Dogs".
EA-18Gs have more than 90% commonality with standard Super Hornets, sharing the airframe, the Raytheon AN/APG-79 AESA radar, and many other systems such as the AN/AYK-22 stores management system. The big differences are in the dedicated airborne electronic equipment for its EW missions and capabilities. Most of these are mounted in the space houses the internal 20 mm cannon which the
Growler does not have, and on wingtip electronic station which otherwise would hold missiles for the Super Hornets. The other nine pylons and stations house either Jamming pods, fuel tanks, or other electronic equipment and weapons such as HARM missiles.
Growlers carry AN/ALQ-218 wideband receivers on the wingtips, and ALQ-99 high and low-band tactical jamming pods on either wing or centerline stations.
These two, the ALQ-218 combined with the ALQ-99 form a full spectrum electronic warfare suite that is capable of detecting and jamming all known enemy surface-to-air threats.
Future emerging threats will require Boeing and Northrop to develop newer equipment which will then be added to the growlers.
For a very heavy jamming requirement or mission, the EA-18G can carry up to five ALQ-99 jamming pods. For most missions, the Growler will carry two AIM-88 HARM missiles for anti-radiation (Anti-radar) attacks, or two AIM-201 air to air missiles for self defense, depending on the mission requirements.
EA-18G also carry a INCANS Interference Cancellation system which allow them to remain in voice communications while performing jamming missions. This is a newly designed capability that was not available on EA-6B Prowler aircraft.
Finally, Growler aircraft also carry a communications receiver and jamming system that allows them to suppress and electronically attack enemy airborne communication systems.
The EA-18G is also capable of performing "time-sensitive" strike missions. In these instances (which would be fairly rare) the Growler is capable of carrying AGM-154 JSOW weapons on its wing pylons. In addition, for "time sensitive" reconnaissance missions, the EA-18G is capable of carrying SHARP and the AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR on the centerline and left conformal weapon stations.
The first production EA-18G for fleet use was accepted by Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) VAQ-129 "Vikings" at NAS Whidbey Island, in early June of 2008. They completed operational evaluation in late July 2009, and were rated suitable for operational use. In August of that same year (2009) EA-18G Growlers from VAQ-129 and VAQ-132 completed the 1st at-sea carrier-arrested landing aboard the USS Harry Truman (CVN-75).The first operational deployment was announced in February 2011 with VAQ-132 "Scorpions."
Originally, in 2008, the US Navy announced a requirement for 85 Growler aircraft to equip 11 squadrons in the US Navy. By May 2011, 48 Growlers had been delivered to the U.S. Navy. Since 2008, the US Navy requirement has grown and now up to 117 aircraft will be procured to fit out the following squadrons:
VAQ-129 Vikings Electronic Attack Squadron
VAQ-130 Zappers Electronic Attack Squadron
VAQ-132 Vikings Electronic Attack Squadron
VAQ-133 Wizards Electronic Attack Squadron
VAQ-135 Black Ravens Electronic Attack Squadron
VAQ-136 Gauntlets Electronic Attack Squadron
VAQ-137 Rooks Electronic Attack Squadron
VAQ-138 Yellow Jackets Electronic Attack Squadron
VAQ-139 Cougars Electronic Attack Squadron
VAQ-141 Shadow Hawks Electronic Attack Squadron
VAQ-209 Star Warriors Electronic Attack Squadron (Reserve)
VX-9 Vampires Air test and evaluation Squadron
A Squadron for the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center and the Airborne Electronic Attack Weapons School.
In addition, Australia has ordered 24 EA-18G aircraft for its air force. These aircraft will be additionally outfitted the with ASQ-228 ATFLIR targeting pod and will also be wired to fire the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile for self defense.
EA-18G Growlers saw their first combat deployment in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn, which began in March 2011, and was the US effort to help enforce the UN no-fly zone over Libya. Five EA-18Gs were deployed for that endeavor.
In October 2014, EA-18G Growlers began their second combat operational deployment in support of Operation against ISIS. Aircraft from VAQ-139 aboard the USS Carl Vinson participated at the time
Characteristics/Specifications:
Crew: Two
Length: 60 ft 1.25 in
Wingspan: 44 ft 8.5 in (including wingtip-mounted pods)
Height: 16 ft
Wing area: 500 ft²
Empty weight: 33,094 lb
Loaded weight: 48,000 lb
Max. takeoff weight: 66,000 lb
Powerplant:
2 × General Electric F414-GE-400 turbofans
Dry thrust: 14,000 lbf each
Thrust with afterburner: 22,000 lbf each
Internal fuel capacity: 13,940 lb
External fuel capacity: (3 x 480 gal tanks): 9,774 lb
Maximum speed: Mach 1.8 (1,190 mph) at 40,000 ft
Range: 1,275 nmi
Combat radius: 390 nmi for interdiction mission
Ferry range: 1,800 nmi without ordnance
Service ceiling: >50,000 ft
Wing loading: 92.8 lb/ft²
Thrust/weight: 0.93
Hard points: 9 total: 6× under-wing, and 3× under-fuselage with a capacity of 17,750 lb for fuel and equipment/ordinance as described above
The Kit:
Hasegawa build a great EA-18G Growler kits in 1/72 scale. It has many parts, numerous options, and had good detail and quality.
This model comes in a typical Hasegawa box which contains the various sprues, decals, a instruction booklet. The parts are in sealed plastic bags, with the decals covered by a protective sheet.
Hasegawa is a long time model maker. They make a quality product, particularly their 1/72 aircraft models. This kit is no different.It comes with thirteen plastic part sprues molded in gray, and a clear plastic sprue for the canopy and lights. There is also a small sprue with four black dowels for allowing part movement. Very well molded, very little flash, and very nice panel lines and rivet marks. The clear plastic are exceptionally well molded and clear.
Altogether, there are just over 170 parts in the kit.
The kit also includes an excellent decal sheet. You can build either of two aircraft from two separate US Navy Electronic Attack Squadrons. Either from VAQ-129 Vikings, or from VAQ-132 Scorpions. I intend to build an aircraft from the Scorpions at this point...but may switch to the Vikings.
The decals sheet includes every conceivable decal for the aircraft at this scale and is very well researched and authentic. There are 224 decals on the sheet included with the kit.
The instructions are decent. They provide step by step instructions for the building of the aircraft and the various options. I have seen more intuitive instructions sets, but these more than suffice.
A decent decal and color scheme is included on the last sheet of the instructions for both aircraft, and these, though not in color, or very well done.
Here's the kit out of the box:
