The EA-6B has been the US Navy and USMC’s long-range, all-weather aircraft with advanced electronic countermeasures capability for more than four decades
On Feb. 17, 2017, a memorial event was held at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, N.C., to mark the 40th anniversary of the arrival of the first USMC EA-6B Prowler.
The EA-6B has been the US Navy and USMC’s long-range, all-weather aircraft with advanced electronic countermeasures capability for more than four decades. The Prowler is a twin-engine, mid-wing aircraft with a side-by-side cockpit arrangement manufactured by Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation. The ALQ-99 onboard receiver, the ALQ-99 pod-mounted jamming system, the USQ-113 communications jamming system, and the HARM missile are among the EA-6B’s warfighting systems.
Two significant developments are the Improved Capability (ICAP III) and the Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS). The ICAP III upgraded the onboard reception system by incorporating an accurate threat emitter geo-locator and selective reactive jamming against newer threat systems, which was certified for Low Rate Initial Production in June 2003. The ICAP III upgrade includes new cockpit displays, enhanced system communication, and increased system reliability.
Data can now be received and utilized via the tactical data link Link 16 thanks to the MIDS upgrade.
The EA-6B Prowler provides an umbrella of protection for strike aircraft, ground troops, and ships by intercepting adversary radar, electronic data links, and communications.
By interfering with enemy electronic activities and obtaining tactical electronic intelligence within the battle zone, the Prowler’s primary goal is to suppress enemy air defenses (SEAD) in support of strike aircraft and ground troops.
The US Navy retired the EA-6B in June 2015, and the new EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft replaced it in the Prowler fleet.
The remaining EA-6B Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare (VMAQ) squadrons will continue to operate until the end of 2019 when the last Prowler will be retired because the USMC will not purchase the Growler.
Source: Prowler’s 40th anniversary commemorated aboard MCAS Cherry Point by Cpl. Jason Jimenez, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, and U.S. Navy; Photo by Cpl. N.W. Huertas / U.S. Navy and and Cpl. Jason Jimenez / U.S. Marine Corps