New Systems Tested on Growler

The U.S. Navy has flown on a Boeing EA-18G Growler to test a new sensor system and data network upgrade.

The flight test demonstrated how the enhanced technologies would allow aircrews to locate threats more quickly and accurately.

The secure, high-speed network will allow aircrews to share targeting data in real time and the technology will be incorporated into deployed Growler electronic attack aircraft in 2018.

“These enhancements provide a significantly faster and more accurate 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.”

The demonstration took place July 15-19 during the Navy’s fleet experimentation campaign at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Maryland.

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.

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