The Pic of the Day: Growler Takeoff

A Navy EA-18G Growler takes off from the flight deck of the USS Ronald Reagan in the Philippine Sea, Oct. 28, 2020, during Keen Sword, an exercise with joint and bilateral partners to enhance long-range interception capabilities.

The Boeing EA-18G is an American carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft, a specialized version of the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet. The EA-18G replaced the US Navy Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowlers. The Growler’s electronic warfare capability is primarily provided by Northrop Grumman. The EA-18G began production in 2007 and entered operational service with the US Navy in late 2009.

The Growler boasts a top speed of over 1,000 knots (roughly 1,100 mph) at 40,000 feet and has a clean range of over 1,200 miles. Though lacking guns, the Growler has nine total hardpoints; six under-wing and three under-fuselage with a total capacity of 17,750 pounds of external fuel and ordnance.

The specific weapons configurations make it capable of carrying out quick strike missions and reconnaissance missions.