Grumman EA-6B Prowler
Summary
| Category | Other aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| First flight | 25 May 1968 |
| Year of introduction | 1971 |
| Number produced | 170 units |
| Average unit price | $52 million |
Description
The EA-6B Prowler was an electronic warfare aircraft that served in the United States Navy and Marines from 1971 until its retirement in 2019. Developed by Grumman Aerospace, the Prowler was a dedicated electronic warfare platform designed to suppress and destroy enemy radar and communication systems. Its main mission was to protect friendly forces by jamming enemy radars and disrupting their command and control networks.
The Prowler was a twin-engine mid-wing aircraft with a crew of four: a pilot, a co-pilot/navigator, an electronic countermeasures officer, and a defensive systems officer. It featured a distinctive "double-tail" configuration, which provided additional stability and control during intensive electronic warfare operations.
The aircraft was equipped with a wide range of electronic warfare systems, including jamming pods, radar warning receivers, chaff and flare dispensers, and an ALQ-99 tactical jamming system. It had the capability to detect, locate, and jam enemy radar signals, effectively blinding the adversary and allowing friendly forces to operate with reduced risk.
The Prowler played a crucial role in various military operations and conflicts, including the Gulf War, the Balkans conflict, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It provided vital electronic support and protection to strike aircraft, ground forces, and naval assets.
Over the years, the Prowler underwent several upgrades and modifications to enhance its capabilities and address evolving threats. The Improved Capability (ICAP) series introduced advanced electronic warfare technologies and improved jamming capabilities. The ICAP III variant, introduced in the late 1990s, included upgraded avionics, increased power output, and enhanced jamming capabilities.
However, due to the aging structure and the emergence of new electronic warfare technologies, the decision was made to retire the Prowler and replace it with the EA-18G Growler, a variant of the F/A-18F Super Hornet equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems.
A total of 170 aircraft were built for the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps. These aircraft were exclusively used by the U.S. military. The Prowler was not exported to other countries, and its use was limited to the United States.
Technical specifications
| Version: EA-6B Prowler | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 pilot + 3 operators |
| Operational range | 1570 km (976 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 1048 km/h (651 mph) |
| Wing area | 49.2 m² (529.8 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 16 m (52.5 ft) |
| Height | 5.1 m (16.8 ft) |
| Length | 18.0 m (59.1 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 11460 m (37598 ft) |
| Empty weight | 14134 kg (31160 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 27896 kg (61500 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 65.0 m/s (213.3 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 2 × turbojets Pratt & Whitney J52-P408A delivering 4717 kgp |
Current operating countries
No country is operating the EA-6B Prowler in 2024.
All operators
Photo of EA-6B Prowler
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