The EA-18G Growler is a variant of the F/A-18F Super Hornet, designed for electronic warfare. Developed by Boeing, it replaced the EA-6B Prowler in the US Navy and has been in service since 2009.
The aircraft is 18.3 meters long, 4.9 meters high, and has a wingspan of 13.7 meters. Equipped with two F414-GE-400 engines, it reaches a maximum speed of Mach 1.8.
An interesting fact about the Growler is that it shares over 90% similarity with the standard Super Hornet, including the aircraft structure, AN/APG-79 AESA radar, and weapons systems. The key difference lies in its electronic warfare equipment, such as the AN/ALQ-218 broadband receivers on the wingtips and the ALQ-99 tactical jamming pods.
The EA-18G Growler plays a crucial role in the US Navy’s electronic warfare operations, providing advanced electronic attack capabilities and suppressing enemy air defenses. Its ability to conduct escort and electronic interference missions makes it an indispensable tool in modern military operations.
Crash in San Diego Bay
A US Navy EA-18G Growler crashed on the morning of Wednesday, February 12, 2025, in San Diego Bay, near Shelter Island. Both crew members successfully ejected before impact and were rescued by a sports fishing boat, later transferred to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) vessel. They were taken to a local hospital and are in stable condition.
The accident occurred around 10:15 AM during a landing maneuver at Naval Air Station North Island. Witnesses reported that the aircraft remained airborne for a few minutes before crashing, generating a 24-meter-high column of water and debris.
The US Navy has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. This incident comes just a few months after another EA-18G Growler crashed near Mount Rainier, Washington, in October 2024, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.
Sources: BOEING / WIKIPEDIA. This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.
