Boeing Co.'s defense operation in St. Louis unveiled the first EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft Thursday for the U.S. Navy, a next-generation radar jamming jet that promises more protection for service members. The $9 billion project for 90 aircraft that can detect enemy radar and jam it replaces its four-seat, 30-year-old predecessor, the EA-6B Prowler.
"This rollout comes none too soon," said Navy Admiral Mike Mullen, chief of naval operations. "As we speak the Growler's predecessor, the EA-6B Prowlers, are themselves flying vital missions over Iraq and Afghanistan and they need to be replaced as soon as possible."
Boeing unveiled the aircraft Thursday in St. Louis to a crowd of about 500 aviation industry partners, Naval personnel and elected officials.
The Growler's first flight will take place later this month, and it will join the Navy's aircraft fleet in 2009, according to Navy officials.
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