EA-18G Conducts First AIM-120 Live Fire

The EA-18G Test Team at NAWCWD China Lake conducted its first AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) live fire on July 23, marking another critical milestone for the Growler test program.

The EA-18G is an electronic attack variant of the F/A-18F undergoing developmental test as an eventual replacement for the EA-6B Prowler. In addition to being the first AIM-120 firing, this event marked the first release of any ordnance off the versatile platform.

As part of the integrated test and evaluation of the aircraft, the Growler test team comprised of both developmental and operational testers executed a successful shot, demonstrating a lethal, self-contained air-to-air capability that the electronic attack community has previously relied on other aircraft to provide.

The live fire flight was flown by Lt. Jeff Millar, a VX-9 pilot from a Hornet background, and Lt. Elizabeth Somerville, a VX-31 electronic countermeasures officer/weapon systems officer from a Prowler background. Invaluable support was provided by Boeing maintenance and test personnel, VX-31 ordnance, the Point Mugu and China Lake AMRAAM project team, China Lake range safety and range control as well as the entire EA-18G test team.

While jamming threat systems located at Echo range, the Growler engaged and fired on the BQM-74E target drone. Airborne chase cameras as well as optical trackers on the target drone confirmed safe weapon separation followed by a very close pass to the target drone, scored by range personnel as a hit.