ST. LOUIS, Nov. 30, 2009 -- The Boeing [NYSE: BA] EA-18G Growler was
approved to advance into Full Rate Production (FRP) by the U.S.
Department of Defense (DOD) on Nov. 23. The St. Louis-based EA-18G
program now can proceed from Low Rate Initial Production to FRP
quantities of approximately 20 aircraft per year.
"Full Rate Production for the EA-18G is critical, as it enables Boeing
to quickly ramp up production of the U.S. Navy's newest and most
advanced airborne electronic attack (AEA) platform, and rapidly get
this new capability to the warfighter," said Bob Gower, F/A-18 and
EA-18 Programs vice president for Boeing. "The FRP decision is also a
clear indication of DOD support for the EA-18G program and the
immediate capability it will provide Combatant Commanders around the
world."
The EA-18G achieved Initial Operational Capability as planned in
September with U.S. Navy electronic attack squadron VAQ-132, based at
Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
The EA-18G's highly flexible design enables warfighters to perform an
array of AEA missions, operating either from the deck of an aircraft
carrier or from land-based fields. It is the only airborne platform
that delivers full-spectrum electronic attack capability, along with
targeting and self-defense capabilities derived from the Navy's
frontline strike fighter, the F/A-18E/F Block II Super Hornet. The new
aircraft is replacing the Navy's current AEA platform, the EA-6B
Prowler, which has been in service since 1971. The Growler joined the
Navy's aircraft fleet in 2008.
Boeing, acting as the weapon system integrator and prime contractor,
leads the EA-18G Growler industry team, which also includes Northrop
Grumman, Raytheon and General Electric Aircraft Engines.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one
of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in
innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's
largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft.
Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32
billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.
