Rockwell Delivers 1000th HUD for F/A-18C/D/E/F

(Source: Rockwell Collins; issued Feb. 4, 2004)

SAN JOSE, Calif. --- Rockwell Collins, a leader in advanced display technology, announced today it has delivered the 1000th Head Up Display (HUD) to The Boeing Company for the F/A-18C/D/E/F aircraft.

Rockwell Collins’ Kaiser Electronics business has provided the HUD units for all models of F-18 aircraft since 1977, when the company won the initial contract. Under that contract more than 600 HUDs were delivered for F/A-18A/B model aircraft.

The relationship continued in 1987 with the contract award for the next generation of F-18 aircraft, the C/D model. Units being delivered today are for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the latest model of that aircraft.

Today, Rockwell Collins has delivered 1,000 F/A-18C/D/E/F HUD units and more than 1,600 total HUD units for F-18 aircraft. To date approximately 1,620 F-18 aircraft have been built and put into service by The Boeing Company.

The 20 degree field of view (FOV), night vision goggle compatible HUD provides crisp accurate stroke symbology, displaying navigation, steering, flight situation and attack cues easily viewed in the brightest daylight. In the night attack mode, the compatible HUD presents the real world imagery from the navigation forward looking infrared sensor (NAVFLIR) combined with navigation and weapon delivery symbology for precise targeting and navigation. The HUD is a high reliability weapons replaceable assembly (WRA) with significant built in test capability that also provides interface for the HUD camera and Up Front Control Display.

Boeing Wins Navy Order For F-18E Radars

(Source: US Department of Defense; issued Feb. 5, 2004)

McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $61,808,329 modification to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive contract to exercise an option for the procurement of 12 AN/APG-79 low-rate initial production II (LRIP II) active electronically scanned array radar systems for the F/A-18E/F aircraft.

Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif. (70 percent); St. Louis, Mo. (25 percent); and Marion, Va. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2006.

US Navy Orders AESA Radar for F-18E

(Source: Boeing Co.; issued Feb. 9, 2004)

ST. LOUIS --- The U.S. Navy has awarded Boeing a contract worth $61.8 million for a second low-rate initial production run of the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and E/A-18G aircraft.

The LRIP2 contract calls for production of 12 of the AESA APG-79 radar systems, including radars, radomes and shields. Production of the LRIP2 radar is scheduled to begin March 2004, with delivery of the first LRIP2 radar-equipped aircraft scheduled for December 2005. The radars will be installed in selected two-seat “F” model Super Hornets. The radar system currently is undergoing evaluation testing at Naval Air Systems Command, China Lake, Calif.

“The AESA radar is essential in the Super Hornet’s role as the Navy’s key strike fighter node in an integrated battlespace. It brings capabilities, such as multi-target tracking and increased situational awareness, to the F/A-18E/F that other naval aircraft simply don’t have,” said Tony Parasida, vice president for the F/A-18 program for Boeing.

The AESA radar, built by the Raytheon Corporation of El Segundo, Calif., is part of the F/A-18E/F Block II upgrade, which includes integration of advanced mission computers, high speed data network, cockpit controls and displays, environmental control system upgrade and forward fuselage affordability improvements. It works with several existing elements of the weapon system, such as the stores management system, the gun director, and AIM-120 and AIM-9 missiles, to enhance the lethality, survivability and affordability of the F/A-18E/F.

The new radar replaces existing mechanically scanned antennas with a radar beam that can be steered at close to the speed of light. This rapid beam scan feature dramatically improves performance, and because the array is solid state, mechanical breakdowns will be virtually eliminated.

New Electronic Attack System for Carrier Aircraft

(Source: Northrop Grumman Corp.; issued Feb. 13, 2004)

BETHPAGE, N.Y. --- U.S. Navy pilots flying the service’s new EA-18G electronic attack aircraft will protect U.S. and allied aircraft from enemy radar threats with a new and enhanced version of the airborne electronic attack (AEA) system that Northrop Grumman Corporation currently produces for the Navy’s EA-6B Prowler.

The company will produce the EA-18G ICAP III selective-reactive jamming system under a development and demonstration subcontract with Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, the Navy’s EA-18G prime contractor. Northrop Grumman is the EA-18G prime mission system integrator. The value of the contract will be announced after its details have been finalized.

As the EA-18G’s primary mission system, the powerful, agile ICAP III AEA system will allow the carrier-based aircraft to conduct a variety of new communications- and targeting-related missions. It will also reinforce the aircraft’s role as an integral part of Sea Power 21, the Navy’s transformational force structure.

“Today, the U.S. military sends no aircraft into harm’s way without the radar-blinding protection of the EA-6B Prowler,” said Philip A. Teel, sector vice president for Northrop Grumman’s Airborne Early Warning and Electronic Warfare (AEW&EW) Systems, a business unit of Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems. “That critical responsibility will continue with the EA-18G as Prowler passes the baton to the supersonic EA-18G/ICAP III system beginning in 2009. Like the Northrop Grumman-built Advanced Hawkeye, the EA-18G AEA system will continue the company’s strong partnership with the Navy as it implements and optimizes the operational tenets of Sea Power 21.”

The EA-18G is a derivative of the F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft that The Boeing Company and Northrop Grumman currently build for the Navy. It is scheduled to begin replacing the EA-6B Prowler in the 2009 timeframe. Like the Prowler, it will perform surveillance and electronic jamming of enemy threat radars and communications nets. Northrop Grumman, the Navy’s EA-6B prime contractor, is also Boeing’s principal subcontractor on the F/A-18 program. Northrop Grumman’s F/A-18 work included production and integration of the aircraft’s AEA system.

According to Teel, the company will develop new AEA hardware and software for the EA-18G so the aircraft’s single electronic combat system officer can manage it. Prowlers have up to three operators during missions.

Northrop Grumman will perform the AEA engineering work at company facilities in Bethpage, N.Y.; Hollywood, Md.; and Camarillo, Calif. Northrop Grumman’s Electronic Systems sector in Baltimore will also participate in the EA-18G development work.

The Navy plans to procure a 90 EA-18G aircraft. In addition to designing and developing the electronic attack system, Northrop Grumman will also manufacture approximately 40 percent of each EA-18G airframe as it does currently for the F/A-18F Super Hornet.

Northrop Grumman is currently producing ICAP-III selective-reactive jamming systems for the EA-6B Prowler as part of a low-rate initial production effort begun in June 2003. Those systems will be available to upgrade Prowlers beginning in 2005. Under the new EA-18G contract, AEW&EW Systems will evolve the EA-6B ICAP III system to match the capabilities and configuration of the EA-18G.

Prowlers are the only tactical electronic attack assets in the U.S. inventory. They protect U.S. and allied air strike forces by blinding the radars of enemy air defense systems and disrupting enemy communications.

Current Prowlers jam radar by transmitting electronic signals over broad frequency ranges to “blind” adversary radars operating within each range. By contrast, the ICAP III jammer uses software to rapidly focus its jamming energy on any frequency band being used by an enemy surface-to-air missile system radars, making it particularly effective against frequency-agile radar threats. ICAP III also features a geolocation targeting capability that allows it to find and target radars and other electronic emitters.

General Dynamics Awarded $11.8 Million Contract For F/A-18 E/F Auxiliary Fuel Tanks

(Source: General Dynamics; issued Feb. 18, 2004)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. --- General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, a business unit of General Dynamics, has received an $11.8 million firm-fixed price contract from Boeing, based in St. Louis, for the production of 480-gallon external auxiliary fuel tanks for the F/A-18 E/F aircraft. This contract for 140 units extends through Feb. 2006.

The external auxiliary fuel tank is designed to be carried beneath the wings and fuselage of the F/A-18 E/F to increase aircraft range. Each aircraft can carry as many as five external auxiliary fuel tanks at once. When configured with external tanks, the aircraft can be used as an in-flight refueling tanker. General Dynamics will produce the fuel tanks at its Lincoln, Neb., facility.

Northrop to Begin Assembly of First US Navy EA-18G Aircraft

(Source: Northrop Grumman Corp.; issued June 29, 2004)

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. --- On July 1, Northrop Grumman Corporation will begin assembling the U.S. Navy’s first EA-18G aircraft, the service’s next-generation electronic attack aircraft due to begin replacing the venerable EA-6B Prowler aircraft by the end of the decade. The milestone comes just six months after EA-18G prime contractor Boeing began the EA-18G program’s system development and demonstration (SDD) phase.

Mechanics from Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Systems sector will begin assembling the first of two SDD contract test EA-18Gs by loading the aircraft’s first bulkhead components into place on the company’s F/A-18 production line in El Segundo, where major portions of the EA-18G will also be built.

The EA-18G is a variant of the combat-proven F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft that Boeing and Northrop Grumman currently build for the Navy. Like the Prowler, the EA-18G will perform surveillance and electronic jamming of enemy threat radars and communications nets. It features a new, high-performance electronic attack suite based on the Increased Capability (ICAP) III system developed by Northrop Grumman for the Prowler.

As Boeing’s principal subcontractor on the EA-18 program, Integrated Systems will produce and integrate the aircraft’s center/aft fuselage and all associated subsystems at its aircraft manufacturing facility in El Segundo. Under a separate contract with Boeing, the sector will also assemble and integrate the ICAP III-based electronic attack subsystem.

“Electronic warfare has become an essential, high demand tool for protecting U.S. and allied forces engaged in the global war on terrorism, a capability provided day-in, day-out by the Navy’s fleet of EA-6B Prowlers,” said Patricia McMahon, Northrop Grumman’s vice president for electronic warfare programs. “When the ICAP-III-based EA-18G enters service, it will become the most powerful weapon yet in the Navy’s electronic warfare tool kit.”

ICAP III uses a technology called selective-reactive jamming to make it more effective than jammers currently in service. Current Prowlers jam radar by transmitting electronic signals over broad frequency ranges to “blind” adversary radars operating within each range. By contrast, the EA-18G will use software to rapidly focus its jamming energy on any frequency band being used by enemy surface-to-air missile system radars, making it particularly effective against frequency-agile radar threats.

The ICAP III system also features a geolocation targeting capability that allows it to find and target radars and other electronic emitters.

“The production start-up for the first EA-18G aircraft is further evidence of the Hornet industry team’s commitment to deliver on its promises,” said Chris Chadwick, Boeing’s vice president for the F/A-18. “Just six months after the system development and demonstration contract award, our team is starting production on the center/aft fuselage for the first EA-18G test aircraft. Under cost, under weight, ahead of schedule, meeting all technical requirements--that’s our promise to the U.S. Navy.”

Northrop Grumman expects to deliver the first EA-18G fuselage shipset to Boeing in March 2005. This EA-18G will be the first of two test aircraft produced under a five-year Navy system development and demonstration contract that covers all laboratory, ground and flight -testing. The EA-18G is expected to enter initial operational capability in 2009. The Navy’s current plan is to buy 90 EA-18Gs. The Northrop Grumman-built Prowler is expected to remain in service until 2015.

All of the above confirmed in the new issue of Navy Times.

Yeah, I plan to keep up with news of this project. I'm familiar with ICAP II, Block 86 Prowlers.

Selective-Reactive Jamming would be a large advantage over the current design.

I wonder if the EA-18G will utilize configurable jamming pods as external stores as the Prowlers do.... I'm thinking they will since I can't imagine being able to jam bands 1 - 10 without reconfiguring the fore and aft transmitters...After all, operating frequencies determine antenna design/gain/efficiencies. I don't know how one would be able to have a Universal Transmitter operable on all bands without changing the steerable antenna....

I also wonder if the TJS will continue to utilize AIL's UEU ( Universal Exciter/Upgraded ) to drive the transmitters....



Since the current UE uses mid-80's tech, I imagine some replacement will be on the way for the new ICAP III birds.

I started working on the Block 86 Exciters back in 1989 and they were pretty new then. They had just phased out the old Raytheon DFT (Digital False Target) Exciters. Those Exciters had to be changed along with the transmitters if a different threat operating on a different frequency needed jamming. The UE by comparison operates any transmitter without the need to be removed and replaced, unless for maintenance or gripes.

Boeing Demos Maintenance Data Downlink on Super Hornet

(Source: Boeing Co.; issued July 8, 2004)

ST. LOUIS --- Boeing officials successfully demonstrated the transmission of a Super Hornet’s systems’ status data July 7 from an airborne F/A-18F to the ground based Automated Maintenance Environment (AME).

The demonstration is the latest example of using network centric capabilities to increase the effectiveness of an existing weapon system. By using an existing tactical data link aircrews can transmit data to base operations while in-flight. Upon receipt, the ground station automatically routes the data to sea- or land-based operational maintenance centers. The data enables maintenance personnel to respond with parts and equipment as soon as the aircraft lands, decreasing aircraft turnaround times.

“Maintenance data downlink transforms maintenance,” said Chris Chadwick Boeing vice president for F/A-18. “Because maintenance crews receive the data before the aircraft lands, they can be ready and waiting with the right support equipment, the right part, and the right technical data to quickly return the aircraft to flight status. That rapid response capability enhances maintenance and operations planning and increases the efficiency of the maintenance cycle, and more importantly the Super Hornet’s already fleet-leading readiness rate.”

No hardware or structural changes are required as the enhanced maintenance capability is provided by software changes to the aircraft and ground equipment. The software-only nature of this change allows this capability to be easily transitioned to the operational fleet.

Boeing conducted demonstrations in 2003 to validate emerging technology for the warfighter. In 2004, Boeing continues to explore and demonstrate technologies that will result in greater connectivity, enhanced situational awareness and fleet readiness.

EDO to Provide Interference Cancellation Technology on Boeing's EA-18G Aircraft

(Source: EDO Corp.; issued Sept. 21, 2004)

NEW YORK --- EDO Corporation has been awarded a subcontract from The Boeing Company for an Interference Cancellation (INCANS) system on the EA-18G. The initial three-year system design and development contract is valued at $14 million with a potential value of approximately $70 million over the life of the aircraft’s anticipated production.

The EA-18G has been selected by the U. S. Navy to replace the EA-6B Prowler aircraft. The EA-6B Prowler provides an umbrella of protection for strike aircraft, ground troops and ships by jamming enemy radar, electronic data links and communications. EDO has been associated with the Prowler since its inception as the designer and manufacturer of its ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System.

The EA-18G combines the combat-proven F/A-18F strike fighter with the latest technology Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) avionics suite that will provide state-of-the-art reactive and pre-emptive jamming capability. EDO’ INCANS system will allow clear communications during all mission scenarios.

Key enabling technology for the INCANS system is EDO’s Cosite Interference Mitigation Subsystem (CIMS). CIMS is an active canceller that permits long-range voice communications in the presence of radiated interference from on-board jamming devices such as transmitters on aircraft radios. EDO is also providing CIMS enabling technology for the Coast Guard’s Rescue 21 and Deepwater programs.

In addition, EDO is providing the interference-cancellation subsystem to Boeing for the Air Force CV-22 Osprey aircraft and is working with Boeing to maximize synergies between the two programs. There is a high degree of commonality with the Osprey and EA-18G systems, and EDO engineers anticipate further improvements in operational capability and reduced support costs for the two programs.

“EDO has been the leader in interference-mitigation and jamming technology for decades,” said James M. Smith, EDO’s chief executive officer. “The electronic-attack mission of the EA-18G presents unique challenges. We must counteract the plane’s own jamming systems in order to maintain essential communications. This contract clearly demonstrates our ability to engineer and supply a military-qualified INCANS system.”

“Our interference-mitigation technology is essential on any aircraft where there are multiple communications systems that must operate together without interference. Thus, we see potential markets for our technology on a number of platforms, such as the JSTARS (Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System) and AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft.”

EDO’s system design and development contract encompasses all laboratory, ground test, and flight tests from component-level testing through full EA-18G weapons system performance flight-testing. Upon successful completion of the development contract, a separate production program is anticipated to fabricate up to 140 fully-qualified INCANS units.

EDO Corporation provides military and commercial products and professional services, with core competencies in a wide range of critical defense areas.

US Navy Squadron Upgrades to F-18E

(Source: US Navy; issued Oct. 13, 2004)

ATSUGI, Japan --- Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 returned home to Naval Air Facility Atsugi Sept. 22 after participating in the squadron’s transition from the F/A-18C Hornet to the new F/A-18E Super Hornet.

The training for the shift took place at Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif., allowing members of the squadron to learn what they needed in order to maintain and operate the Super Hornets.

“The Super Hornet is a fantastic aircraft, which greatly enhances the capabilities of the air wing and the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Strike Group, and we are all extremely excited about finally employing the new aircraft with all the forward deployed naval forces,” said Lt. Cmdr. Todd Abrahamson, VFA-27’s administration officer.

The “Royal Maces” 13 new Super Hornets serve as the full complement of the squadron’s aircraft and were scheduled to arrive in multiple waves Sept. 30, but were delayed due to weather. The squadron’s leadership, along with almost 40 family members, were on hand to greet the Sailors with snacks, hugs and waving hands.

“After a long four months in Lemoore, it’s great to be back home with Carrier Air Wing 5 and our families,” Abrahamson said.

Boeing Begins Work on First EA-18G Test Aircraft

(Source: Boeing Co.; issued Oct. 21, 2004)

ST. LOUIS --- Tomorrow Boeing employees begin working on the forward fuselage for EA-1, the first EA-18G test aircraft being built for the U.S. Navy under a $1 billion System Development and Demonstration (SDD) contract.

The EA-18G is the Navy’s next-generation electronic attack aircraft and combines the combat-proven F/A-18 Super Hornet with a state-of-the-art Improved Capability III electronic attack subsystem provided by Northrop Grumman Corporation.

EA-1 will be the first of two test aircraft produced under the SDD contract covering all laboratory, ground and flight-testing.

“Today marks a note worthy day in naval aviation history as the first EA-18G officially commences on the Boeing production line,” said the NAVAIR F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Manager Capt B.D. Gaddis. “The joint Navy and Industry team has done a remarkable job of managing an aggressive acquisition strategy that included achieving the best value for the government by anticipating change instead of reacting to it. The EA-18G, like the Super Hornet that precedes it, will be a great example of the Navy’s ability to operate on a joint, networked battlefield.”

During a ceremony in St. Louis commemorating the start of production, Boeing employees will watch as the first aluminum bulkhead is installed in the forward fuselage of EA-1. The radar ring bulkhead is a critical component of the forward fuselage, providing support for the Advanced Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and the nose cone of the aircraft. This is the first of many parts in the build cycle of the test aircraft, scheduled to fly in September 2006.

“The Hornet team has a reputation for always being on or ahead of schedule,” said Chris Chadwick, F/A-18 vice president for Boeing. “Because we are using program management practices currently employed by the Super Hornet program, we’ll perform better than plan, remain ahead of schedule, under cost and under weight. It’s what the customer expects and deserves -- it’s what we will do.”

Built on the same assembly line as the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the EA-18G retains a high degree of commonality with the Super Hornet. Boeing will begin assembly of the second test program aircraft, EA-2, in the third quarter of 2004. Initial Operational Capability for the EA-18G is scheduled for 2009.

Boeing is the prime contractor for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the EA-18G. Northrop Grumman Corporation makes the center and aft fuselage of the Super Hornet and EA-18G at its El Segundo, Calif. facility and is the EA-18G electronic attack subsystem integrator at its Bethpage, NY, facility. Raytheon makes the advanced APG-79 AESA radar and General Electric makes the two F414-GE-400 engines that power the Super Hornet.

CVN 73 Catches Her First Super Hornet

(Source: US Navy; issued Nov. 5, 2004)

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea --- The surge carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) (GW) welcomed Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122 “Flying Eagles,” the Fleet Replacement Squadron for the Navy’s newest fighter, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet, Nov. 3.

It was the first time the fighters had been launched and recovered on the carrier, and the challenge was well received by the crew.

“It’s good to have this aircraft out here,” said GW’s Air Boss Cmdr. John Sheehan. “It’s good training for everyone involved in the launch and recovery process. It was great to get our first catapult shot and trap under our belts, because that aircraft will be a big part of our future air wing.”

The Super Hornet is the multi-mission aircraft that combines the performance and self-defense capability of a fighter and the strike capability of a bomber. Its arsenal includes state-of-the-art defensive electronic countermeasures, enhanced radar, advanced onboard sensor fusion capability, the ability to carry every tactical air-to-air and air-to-ground weapon in the Navy’s inventory, increased range and reduced vulnerability. It replaces the F-14 Tomcat and will soon replace the EA-6B Prowler.

“The Super Hornet brings a more dynamic platform and more effective combat readiness with its ability to add and expand new equipment,” said VFA-122’s Lt. j.g. A.J. Carlson, a Super Hornet weapons systems officer who performed his first carrier landing aboard GW. “With the integration of the pilot and the weapons system officer, we can keep better situational awareness and provide mutual support to their respective functions. We have the ability to carry out multiple functions at a moment’s notice.”

Sheehan said it was thrilling to get an up-close look at the Navy’s future in aviation, but it also presented some challenges to everyone involved in the launch and recovery evolution.

“The shooters have different launching bulletins, and at night, it is not always easy to tell the difference between the Super Hornet and the traditional Hornet, so it required a little more coordination between them and the catapult crews,” said Sheehan.

Sheehan was extremely pleased with his Air Department’s performance and is anxious for GW to send its first Super Hornets into combat. Before that can happen, though, a few adjustments will have to be made during the ship’s upcoming availability period, including modifying the jet blast deflectors to handle the Super Hornet’s more powerful engines during afterburner launches.

Carlson is also anxious to take the Navy’s newest technology into action, and had nothing but positive things to say about GW’s capability to do the job.

“It’s an amazing blessing to have the opportunity to fly this amazing aircraft,” he said. “You hear the legendary stories about the Tomcat and the Phantom, and then to know you are flying the latest and greatest aircraft the Navy has is an incredible feeling. The performance of George Washington’s crew was seamless. They were very professional and very safe, as if they handled this aircraft all the time.”

George Washington will remain the Navy’s surge carrier until some time in December. Following the holiday standdown period, the ship will move to Newport News Shipyard for upgrade and maintenance.

quote:

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Originally posted by Sgt_Schlappy:
_US Navy Orders AESA Radar for F-18E_

_(Source: Boeing Co.; issued Feb. 9, 2004)_

ST. LOUIS --- The U.S. Navy has awarded Boeing a contract worth $61.8 million for a second low-rate initial production run of the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and E/A-18G aircraft.

The LRIP2 contract calls for production of 12 of the AESA APG-79 radar systems, including radars, radomes and shields. Production of the LRIP2 radar is scheduled to begin March 2004, with delivery of the first LRIP2 radar-equipped aircraft scheduled for December 2005. The radars will be installed in selected two-seat “F” model Super Hornets. The radar system currently is undergoing evaluation testing at Naval Air Systems Command, China Lake, Calif.

---

Raytheon Delivers Revolutionary APG-79 AESA Radar Ahead of Schedule

(Source: Raytheon Co.; issued Jan. 13, 2005)

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. --- Raytheon Company's Space and Airborne Systems (SAS) has delivered ahead of schedule its first revolutionary APG-79 radar to Boeing Integrated Defense Systems in St. Louis.

This low rate initial production (LRIP) delivery is the first of 415 radars to be delivered to Boeing for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, with the goal of operational readiness by September 2006.

The APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system provides aircrew with greater capabilities than ever before. Aside from increased reliability, the radar provides improved situational awareness through its ability to conduct both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations almost simultaneously at greater distances.

"The APG-79 radar will truly revolutionize the warfighting capability of the Super Hornet. Following a year of successful flight testing, we are looking forward to equipping the fleet with AESA technology," said Cmdr. Aaron Bowman, the F/A-18/EA-18G U.S. Navy radar program manager.

"The APG-79 AESA radar is a key element to the Block II upgrades we designed into the Super Hornet from its inception," said Roger Besancenez, AESA program manager for Boeing. "This spiral development, including advanced displays, new navigation systems and the APG-79 AESA radar system, enhances the Super Hornet's role as the premier strike fighter in today's battlespace and an advanced node in the vision of ForceNET."

"We are proud that the APG-79 AESA radar has been developed in record time from concept to development, now culminating in our first LRIP customer delivery. The technology innovations contained within the APG-79 will set the standard for radar capabilities for many years to come, putting Raytheon at the leading edge of the industry," said Erv Grau, vice president for Air Combat Avionics, the business unit within Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, which produces the system.

Most radar systems are created as evolutionary improvements to earlier systems. The APG-79 AESA radar, however, consists of entirely newly designed hardware and software that provides revolutionary capability and reliability for the warfighter's present and future needs.

This new system, made possible through a quantum leap in technology development will equip the Super Hornet as well as the E/A-18G Airborne Electronic Attack variant.

EF-18G Completes Wind Tunnel Tests

(Source: Boeing Co.; issued Feb. 3, 2005)

ST. LOUIS --- Boeing engineers completed all wind tunnel testing for the EA-18G Airborne Electronic Attack aircraft on Jan. 27 under the EA-18G System Development and Demonstration (SDD) program.

The program conducted five different wind tunnel tests at several laboratories, beginning in June 2004 and ending in January 2005. Each test gathered critical information for the continued development of the EA-18G. The Boeing team conducted a total of 1,412 hours of wind tunnel testing.

“The wind tunnel testing has validated that the F/A-18F airframe is well suited to perform the electronic attack mission,” said Mike Gibbons, EA-18G chief engineer for Boeing. “We will use these results to complete the detailed design of the EA-18G weapon system and present it to the Navy at the Critical Design Review in April 2005.”

--High speed performance testing was conducted on an eight percent model at the NASA-Ames transonic wind tunnel in Mountain View, Calif.

--Configuration testing and lateral-directional stability and control testing also was conducted with the eight-percent model at NASA-Ames.

--Low-speed lift testing occurred at the Boeing V/STOL wind tunnel in Philadelphia with a fifteen percent model

--Separation and jettison testing for the jamming pods, external fuel tanks and missiles was conducted

--The final test, using a new 16 percent aerodynamic force and moment model, analyzed the high angle of attack for the aircraft. The test gauged the upright and inverted high angle of attack stability and control effects. It was conducted at the Langley Full Scale Tunnel, operated by Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va.

“The EA-18G will provide improved capability and readiness, while offering a dramatic reduction in operating and support costs,” says Bob Feldmann, EA-18G program manager for Boeing. “The Electronic Attack system on the EA-18G provides the flexibility to counter the threats of today and to dominate the RF spectrum in the future, especially in the area of communications countermeasures.” The EA-18G was designed by an industry team led by Boeing and Northrop Grumman Beth page for affordability and growth. It will provide near-term capability and the capacity to incorporate receiver advancements, integrated AESA operations, next-generation jammers and other enhancements.

The SDD program, which runs through early FY09, encompasses all laboratory, ground test, and flight tests for the EA-18G. First flight is expected in September 2006. The EA-18G will reach initial operational capability in the U.S. Navy by 2009.

Northrop Completes First EF-18G Section

(Source: Northrop Grumman Corp.; issued march 16, 2005)

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. --- Hundreds of Northrop Grumman employees will attend a ceremony in El Segundo on Friday, March 18, to celebrate completion of the first fuselage section for the U.S. Navy's next-generation, electronic attack aircraft, the EA-18G “Growler.”

The employees will gather at the end of Northrop Grumman's aircraft assembly line for the ceremony. The centerpiece of the event will be an approximately 30-foot-long section of the EA-18G's center/aft fuselage with engine exhaust ducts and twin vertical tails.

The EA-18G is expected to begin replacing the Navy's EA-6B Prowler aircraft by the end of this decade. Northrop Grumman is principal subcontractor to The Boeing Company for the EA-18G, which is a variation of the combat-proven F/A-18 Super Hornet that Boeing and Northrop Grumman also produce for the Navy as the service's frontline carrier-based strike fighter.

Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector produces the center/aft fuselage and all associated subsystems for the F/A-18 and EA-18G. Each fuselage “shipset”' is delivered to Boeing's production facility in St. Louis, Mo.

Northrop Updates EA-18G Program Status

(Source: Northrop Grumman Corp.; issued March 18, 2005)

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. --- Northrop Grumman Corporation today celebrated completion of the first fuselage section for the U.S. Navy's next-generation, electronic attack aircraft at a ceremony held before hundreds of employees.

The EA-18G is expected to begin replacing the Navy's venerable EA-6B Prowler aircraft by the end of the decade. Northrop Grumman is principal subcontractor to The Boeing Company for the EA-18G, which is a variant of the combat-proven F/A-18 Super Hornet that Boeing and Northrop Grumman also produce for the Navy as the service's frontline carrier-based strike fighter.

Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector produces and integrates the center/aft fuselage and all associated subsystems for the F/A-18 and EA-18G at its manufacturing facility here. Each fuselage “shipset” is delivered to Boeing's production facility in St. Louis, Mo. Northrop Grumman is also the airborne electronic-attack system integrator for the EA-18G and performs this work in Bethpage, N.Y., under a separate contract with Boeing.

“Our significant role on the EA-18G highlights Northrop Grumman's systems integration expertise,” said Scott J. Seymour, corporate vice president and Integrated Systems sector president. “We are integrating an important electronic-attack capability on a combat-proven platform that will operate seamlessly in the Navy's Force Net architecture and help keep Navy aviators out of harm's way.”

Like the Prowler it will replace, the EA-18G will perform surveillance and electronic jamming of enemy threat radars and communications nets. Its electronic-attack suite is based on the advanced Increased Capability (ICAP) III system developed by Northrop Grumman for the Prowler. The EA-18G's effectiveness will be enhanced by the advanced strike-fighter capabilities of the F/A-18.

“The delivery of this center-aft fuselage brings us one step closer to the advanced technology our Navy customer wants,” said Chris Chadwick, vice president of F/A-18 programs for Boeing. “The EA-18G will provide the fleet with every benefit the Super Hornet brings to the warfighter today in terms of effectiveness and reliability, and will support our ground troops with a level of flexibility in airborne electronic attack that they have never experienced.”

ICAP III uses a technology called selective-reactive jamming to make it more effective than jammers currently in service. Current Prowlers jam radars by transmitting electronic signals over broad frequency bands to “blind” adversary radars operating within each band. By contrast, the EA-18G will use sophisticated receivers and software to rapidly locate enemy radars and focus its jamming energy on the threat. This advanced capability is particularly effective against frequency-agile radar threats.

The ICAP III system also features a geolocation targeting capability that allows it to find and target radars and other electronic emitters.

This EA-18G will be the first of two test aircraft produced under a five-year Navy system development and demonstration contract that covers all laboratory, ground and flight-testing. The EA-18G is expected to enter initial operational capability in 2009 and gradually replace the Prowler. The Navy's current plan is to buy 90 EA-18Gs. The Northrop Grumman-built Prowler is expected to remain in service until 2012.