Boeing Flies EA-18G Wingtip and Jamming Pods for First Time

[Fly Navy]

Cool.

Boeing Flies EA-18G Wingtip and Jamming Pods for First Time

ST. LOUIS, June 12, 2006 -- The Boeing EA-18G program test team reached
a key milestone May 30 when it flew a modified F/A-18F equipped with
wingtip antenna and high- and low-band jamming pods for the first time.
The flight was part of ongoing flying qualities and carrier suitability
testing to validate the EA-18G's shipboard effectiveness. The EA-18G
Growler is a derivative of the F/A-18F Super Hornet that has been flying
from carriers since 1997.

The three-month carrier suitability tests, flown by U.S. Navy pilots,
include catapult launches and cable arrestments from test facilities at
Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. Initial tests will measure
aircraft loads to verify that the landing gear and airframe meet design
specifications. The tests also will monitor the catapult and arrestment
systems to assess if the Growler settings are accurate.

"These tests are a big milestone for the EA-18G program," said Mike
Gibbons, Boeing EA-18G program manager. "We know the Super Hornet
airframe works well in challenging at-sea conditions. Now we're
verifying that the EA-18G, with potentially greater bringback for fuel
and weapons capacity, will work just as well."

Over 25 flights, the carrier suitability tests will measure how well the
Growler performs in a variety of takeoff and landing situations,
including high-sink, free-flight engagement, on- and off-center
catapults, and arrestments. The EA-18G testing will allow for higher
landing weights than the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to provide greater
flexibility in the return of high-value jamming pods plus other weapons
and stores.

Boeing, acting as the weapon system integrator and prime contractor,
leads the EA-18G Growler industry team. Northrop Grumman is the
principal subcontractor and airborne electronic attack subsystem
integrator. The Hornet Industry Team will divide EA-18G production
across Boeing, Northrop Grumman, General Electric, and Raytheon
manufacturing facilities. The System Design and Development program
concludes with an Initial Operational Capability in 2009. Naval Air
Systems Command PMA-265 is the U.S. Navy acquisition office for the
EA-18G.

 

[Brett327]

Now that is a loadout I'd like to have.

Brett

 

[AllAmerican75]

So, are these going to be called "queer" Rhinos, or is that nomenclature going the way of the dodo? Cool plane, though. Would love to fly it.

 

[PropStop]

that's some drag count right there.

 

[A4sForever]

So, are these going to be called "queer" Rhinos, or is that nomenclature going the way of the dodo? ...

Uhhhhhhhhhhhh .... VA"Q" will ALWAYS be VA"Queer" in Naval Aviation hearts & minds.

It's the Navy way. It's real. And it's the right thing to do(do).

 

[AllAmerican75]

Was just wondering if they were keeping up the tradition wiht the Growler(should be Shocker). Glad they are.

 

[MasterBates]

Do you think they will let me switch over to fly that?

I was approved for a VFA/VRC transfer, but no orders. Sitting down doing quick math, their IOC would line up with how long it will take me to finish here, go back thru flight school, and hit the RAG. Assuming a do a "Super JO Nugget" tour in lieu of a disassociated sea tour.

 

[squorch2]

Is it an optical illusion, or is the loadout canted off from the centerline of the aircraft?

 

[Fly Navy]

Is it an optical illusion, or is the loadout canted off from the centerline of the aircraft?

The pylons on the Rhino are canted outward.

 

[TurnandBurn55]

The pylons on the Rhino are canted outward.

Item #453 that TB55 is going to change when he takes over the world.... ughhhh

Item #452... plug some of those F-119 motors in the back. 70,000 lbs of thrust never hurt anyone

 

[Blutonski816]

Item #453 that TB55 is going to change when he takes over the world.... ughhhh

Item #452... plug some of those F-119 motors in the back. 70,000 lbs of thrust never hurt anyone

glad to know I'm not the only one whos mind takes similar flights of fancy...

 

[AllAmerican75]

glad to know I'm not the only one whos mind takes similar flights of fancy...

I guess I need to join the club. Do I get a free t-shirt and a nifty member ID card?

 

[Brett327]

Item #453 that TB55 is going to change when he takes over the world.... ughhhh

Isn't it due to some kind of airflow/vibration issue? That's what the scuttlebutt was going around when they were flight testing the JX pods.

Brett

 

[MasterBates]

Yeah, but I need to find/beg/steal/scam orders.

I may be wrong, but my understanding it from emailing Gozer and a couple others at PERS-43 is that I was deemed a good choice to switch, (proven pilot, more experience than your average JO, etc) but the S-3 sundown is making jet transition orders hard to come by.

Honestly, I would rather fly VFA/VAQ in the Rhino, but VRC is cool as well. Actually, I'll take any fixed wing that is not P3/P8. (sick of ASW)

 

[2sr2worry]

Isn't it due to some kind of airflow/vibration issue? That's what the scuttlebutt was going around when they were flight testing the JX pods.

Brett

Canted pylons were due to worries about weapons separation. Vibration issues arose after the pylons were canted...causing lots of weapon/launcher redesign. Pretty amazing when you consider the canting was done to appease a single senior engineer who folks were afraid to defy (according to what I've heard over the years). Now it's too expensive to change the design to straighten them back out. At least they don't move around like the F111 pylons!