EA-6B Prowler

EA-6B Prowler
Name	EA-6B Prowler
Caption	An EA-6B Prowler in flight.
Type	Electronic warfare aircraft
Manufacturer	Grumman
First flight	25 May 1968
Introduction	July 1971
Retired	2015 (United States Navy), 2019 (United States Marine Corps)
Status	Retired from active service
Primary user	United States Navy
More users	United States Marine Corps
Produced	1966–1991
Number built	170
Developed from	A-6 Intruder

EA-6B Prowler. The EA-6B Prowler was a twin-engine, mid-wing electronic warfare aircraft derived from the A-6 Intruder and manufactured by Grumman. It was operated by a crew of four and served as the primary tactical jamming platform for the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps for over four decades. The aircraft's primary mission was to suppress enemy air defenses by disrupting radar and communications through electronic attack, providing a critical shield for strike aircraft and ground forces.

Development and design

The development of the EA-6B was initiated to replace the aging EA-3B Skywarrior and the limited-capacity EKA-3B. Based on the airframe of the A-6A Intruder, the design was significantly modified to accommodate a longer fuselage and a larger vertical stabilizer housing an ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System receiver antenna. The cockpit was expanded to house a crew of four: one pilot and three Electronic Countermeasures Officers (ECMOs). Key systems included the AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System (TJS), a suite of jamming pods and receivers that could be tuned to a wide range of enemy frequencies. Later upgrades integrated the USQ-113 Communications Jamming System and the capability to employ the AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missile, transforming the platform into a potent "Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses" asset.

Operational history

Entering service with Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 129 (VAQ-129) in 1971, the EA-6B first saw combat during the final stages of the Vietnam War, providing electronic cover for Operation Linebacker strikes. It played a pivotal role in subsequent conflicts, including Operation El Dorado Canyon against Libya, Operation Praying Mantis in the Persian Gulf, and throughout the Gulf War, where it was instrumental in degrading Iraqi air defenses. The Prowler was a constant presence over the Balkans during Operation Deliberate Force and Operation Allied Force, and later provided essential support during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Its final combat deployments were in support of Operation Inherent Resolve before retirement.

Variants

The EA-6B underwent several major capability blocks. The initial production Standard (EXCAP) and Expanded Capability (ICAP) models were followed by the significantly improved ICAP II, which added HARM capability and improved avionics. The final operational variant was the ICAP III, which featured a completely redesigned glass cockpit with color multi-function displays, advanced jammer receivers, and precision navigation and targeting systems. A dedicated United States Marine Corps trainer version, known as the EA-6B TACTS, was configured for air combat maneuvering training. The ADVCAP (Advanced Capability) prototype tested further enhancements but was not produced.

Operators

The sole operators of the EA-6B were the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps. Navy squadrons, designated VAQ (Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron), were typically carrier-based, operating from aircraft carriers like the USS *Nimitz*. Marine Corps squadrons, designated VMAQ (Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron), operated from forward land bases. Key training and fleet replacement squadrons included VAQ-129 at NAS Whidbey Island and VMAQ-4 at MCAS Cherry Point.

Specifications (EA-6B)

* **Crew:** 4 (1 pilot, 3 ECMOs) * **Length:** 59 ft 10 in (18.24 m) * **Wingspan:** 53 ft 0 in (16.15 m) * **Height:** 16 ft 8 in (5.08 m) * **Empty weight:** 31,160 lb (14,134 kg) * **Max takeoff weight:** 65,000 lb (29,484 kg) * **Powerplant:** 2 × Pratt & Whitney J52-P408A turbojet engines, 10,400 lbf (46 kN) thrust each * **Maximum speed:** 566 kn (651 mph, 1,048 km/h) * **Range:** 1,150 nmi (1,320 mi, 2,130 km) * **Combat range:** 955 nmi (1,099 mi, 1,769 km) * **Ferry range:** 2,400 nmi (2,800 mi, 4,400 km) * **Service ceiling:** 41,200 ft (12,600 m) * **Armament:** Up to 4 × AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles (typically carried on wing pylons) * **Systems:** AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System, USQ-113 Communications Jamming System, AN/ALE-39 countermeasures dispenser

Aircraft on display

Several retired EA-6B Prowlers are preserved in museums across the United States. Examples include an ICAP II model (BuNo 162230) at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, an ICAP I model (BuNo 158542) at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum in Maryland, and an ICAP II model (BuNo 163047) at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar air park. Other aircraft are displayed at the USS Midway Museum in San Diego, the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum in Titusville, and the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson.

Category:Electronic warfare aircraft of the United States Category:Grumman aircraft Category:Cold War aircraft of the United States Category:Carrier-based aircraft Category:Aircraft first flown in 1968