EA-6B Prowler
Description:
The EA-6B Prowler provides an umbrella of protection over
strike aircraft, ground troops and ships by jamming enemy radar,
electronic data links and communications.
Features:
The EA-6B Prowler is a twin-engine, mid-wing aircraft
manufactured by Northrop Grumman Aerospace Corporation as a
modification of the basic A-6 Intruder air frame.
Designed for carrier and advanced base operations, the
Prowler is a fully integrated electronic warfare system
combining long-range, all-weather capabilities with advanced
electronic countermeasures. A forward equipment bay, and
pod-shaped faring on the vertical fin, house the additional
avionics equipment. The side-by-side cockpit arrangement gives
maximum efficiency, visibility and comfort.
Background:
The primary mission of the aircraft is to support strike
aircraft and ground troops by interrupting enemy electronic
activity and obtaining tactical electronic intelligence within a
combat area.
General
Characteristics:
Primary
Function: Electronic countermeasures
Contractor: Northrop Grumman Aerospace Corporation
Propulsion: Two Pratt & Whitney J52-P408 engines
(10,400 pounds thrust each)
Length: 59 feet 10 inches (17.7 meters)
Wingspan: 53 feet (15.9 meters)
Height: 16 feet 8 inches (4.9 meters)
Weight: Max gross take-off: 61,500 pounds (27,450 kg)
Speed: Over 500 knots (575 mph, 920 kmh)
Range: Over 1,000 nautical miles (1,150 miles, 1,840 km)
Ceiling: 37,600 feet
Crew: Four: pilot and three electronic countermeasures
officers
Armament: AGM-88B or C HARM missile
Date Deployed: First flight, May 25, 1968; Operational,
July 1971
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