The findings of the EA-18G Growler’s initial operational test and evaluation were released by the Department of Defense Wednesday.
The aircraft received the rating of operationally effective, operationally suitable and was recommended for fleet introduction.
The evaluation of Navy’s testing community, under the Commander Operational Test and Evaluation Forces, determined that the EA-18G is able to effectively perform the intended operational mission and is also found to be suitable. The suitability evaluation focuses on maintainability, reliability and many support aspects with the intention of validating that the system under test will be available when needed.
“We consider the EA-18G program to be a ‘model’ in terms of executing better than planned,” said Capt. Mark Darrah, F/A-18 & EA-18G program manager, PMA-265. “A critical reason why the Growler remained on cost and on schedule while exceeding the performance required was the aggressive management of risk and requirements.”
Combining the latest capabilities of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet with modern Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) systems and weapons, the next generation in airborne electronic attack, EA-18G Growler, continues to be delivered on cost and ahead of schedule.
“The Navy’s acquisition strategy of integrating the already proven EA-6B Improved Capability III (ICAP III) AEA suite with the Block 2 F/A-18F Super Hornet means the EA-18G was able to demonstrate the inherent reliability and maintainability that the fleet currently enjoys with the Super Hornet and the exceptional operational capability of the ICAP III AEA System,” Darrah said. “This robust integration of these two mature weapon systems will ensure that the U.S. Navy will continue to provide world class tactical AEA capability well into the future.”
Software anomalies were discovered during the IOT&E process, and the Integrated Product Team is actively engaged in developing a software update release that will be used for verification of and correction of deficiencies (VCD) development period, which is currently scheduled to start later this year.
Consistent with the Super Hornet, the EA-18G Growler was designed for spiral development. Software updates that address existing anomalies were designed into the plan from the beginning of the program.
“The professionalism, communication practices and processes established between the program office, industry, developmental test, operational test and the fleet throughout this program have been essential to its successes and should serve as a model of Integrated Test and Evaluation (IT&E) practices for future endeavors,” said Darrah.
