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Naval Forces News - USA |
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| Boeing,
US Navy Demo New Targeting and Data Systems on EA-18G Growler |
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The
U.S. Navy recently flew Boeing EA-18G Growler aircraft with sensor system
upgrades and its newest data network, demonstrating how the enhanced
technologies would allow aircrews to locate threats more quickly and
accurately. |
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Advanced technologies will significantly improve Growler's targeting
capabilities
(picture: US Navy)
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Ultimately, the secure, high-speed network will allow
aircrews to share targeting data in real time. The technology will be
incorporated into deployed Growler electronic attack aircraft in 2018,
sooner than all Navy aircraft other than the E-2D Hawkeye surveillance
airplane.
"These enhancements provide a significantly faster, more accurate
and adaptable targeting solution for the Navy and allied forces,"
said Capt. Frank Morley, U.S. Navy F/A-18 and EA-18G program manager.
"The result is a more capable EA-18G that is better able to control
the EA spectrum."
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An EA-18G Growler from the "Shadowhawks" of Electronic Attack
Squadron (VAQ) 141 is stopped by an arresting gear wire after landing
aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73)
(picture: US Navy)
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The demonstration occurred July 15-19 during the
Navy's fleet experimentation campaign at the Patuxent River Naval Air
Station in Maryland.
Integrating the technology onto the Growler involved a series of upgrades
that provide "an affordable, low-risk approach to adding capability
that allows us to deliver advanced technologies to the fleet more quickly,"
said Mike Gibbons, Boeing F/A-18 and EA-18 Programs vice president.
The upgrades are planned to be retrofitted into existing Growlers and
included as a standard offering for future new aircraft sales. Boeing
and the Navy will work closely with supplier partners Northrop Grumman,
Harris Corporation, L-3 Communications and Rockwell Collins to add system
upgrades to the fleet.
The Growler is derived from the combat-proven F/A-18F Super Hornet.
It's the United States' newest and most advanced airborne electronic
attack platform, providing electronic intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance data to other aircraft. It has been combat deployed since
2010 by U.S. and allied forces around the world.
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