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."
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