Northrop Grumman EA-6 Prowler

The Prowler series of carrierbased aircraft are dedicated electronic warfare systems based on the Vietnam-era A-6 Intruder strike models. Since their introduction, the Prowler series has seen action up through the present American conflicts in the Middle East though their future is now limited with the arrival of the more modern EA-18G "Growler", a similar-in-scope aircraft design based on the modified F/A-18F Super Hornet airframe. In all, some 170 Prowlers were delivered - either through conversions of existing A-6 airframes or as new-build aircraft with the EA-6A representing a more interim design and the EA-6B variant a more definitive model. Despite their non-glamorous battlefield role, the series has lost over 40 aircraft - including crew members in some cases - though none were related to any direct combat action.

The EA-6A appeared as an interim development design very similar to the initial A-6 Intruder airframe. The two-man cockpit was retained but a fin-top bulge housing antenna was added to the single vertical tail surface. The A-series appeared in limited quantity - only 15 of the initial 27 were "new-build" aircraft - and saw usage in the Vietnam war ultimately retiring in the latter part of the 1970's by which time the more dedicated EA-6B platform was online.

The EA-6B featured an lengthened fuselage which allowed for a four-seat crew compartment. Accommodations for one pilot and three electronic warfare officers was allowed by the larger setup and the canopy glass was shaded a film of gold to protect the crew from the harmful emissions of their external electronic equipment. Another noticeable design aspect is the retaining of the large football-shaped appendage on the single vertical tail surface which houses antenna found in the A-model. The EA-6B first entered service in 1971 and is still currently operating in Iraq and Afghanistan with US and Allied forces, charged with IED jamming.

The EA-6B model variant is cleared to use the AGM-88 HARM anti-radar missile suitable for taking out enemy radar installations. Additionally, the 5 external hardpoints can carry a 300 gallon droppable fuel tank for increased range. The fuel tanks can be supplanted on four of the five hardpoints with jamming pods as well. An external and static refueling probe is also provided at the front of the cockpit windshield, positioned exactly between the pilot and front-seated electronic warfare officer.

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Last Revision: 9/8/2009