EA-6B Prowler
The EA-6B Prowler was a US twin-engine, electronic warfare aircraft which was used by the US Navy and US Marine Corps during the Cold War and the war against Muslim terrorists in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Prowler was developed by Grumman from the A-6 Intruder airframe, which was equipped with new electronic warfare (EW) equipment when it was turned into the EA-6B. The Prowler was designed as an electronic escort and command and control platform for strike missions, but it was also capable of attacking surface targets on its own, especially radar antennae, surface-to-air missile launchers, and other enemy defenses. It entered service with the US Navy in 1971.
The EA-6B was powered by two non-afterburning jet engines and is capable of high subsonic speeds. Due to demanding EW operations and age, the Prowler was a high-maintenance aircraft and also underwent more frequent equipment upgrades than any other aircraft in the Navy. Northrop Grumman received contracts from the US Navy to deliver new electronic countermeasures gear to Prowler squadrons. The heart of each ICAP III set consisted of the ALQ-218 receiver and new software that provided more precise selective-reactive radar jamming and deception and threat location. The ICAP III sets were also equipped with the Multifunction Information Distribution System (MIDS), which included the Link 16 data link system.
Specifications (EA-6B Prowler)
Avionics: ALQ-99 on board receiver (OBS); ALQ-99 pod mounted jamming system (TJS); USQ-113 communications jamming system.
Engine: two Pratt & Whitney J52-P408A turbojets.
Maximum speed: 651 mph (1,050 km/h).
Range: 2,400 mi (3,861 km).
Length: 59 ft 10 in (17.7 m).
Wingspan: 53 ft (15.9 m).
Crew: four (one pilot, and three electronic countermeasures officers).
Weapons: four AGM-88 HARM antiradar missiles.
