The US Navy's Secret Weapon: EA-18 Growler

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  • Опубликовано: 29 окт 2024

Комментарии • 512

  • @PilotPhotog
    @PilotPhotog  2 года назад +14

    ► Use my code TOG to get $5 off your delicious, healthy Magic Spoon cereal by clicking this link: magicspoon.thld.co/tog_0222

    • @timopkokko
      @timopkokko 2 года назад +2

      Your video is beautiful.

    • @timopkokko
      @timopkokko 2 года назад +1

      Sir, did you know that while the FA-18 series for sure work fine in California, in Finland we detected micro-fractures in the wings. The extremely low temperature became a problem. It manifests itself in the very near of the fuselage, at the root of from where the wings start.
      It happens only at very low temperatures, as said. But the phenomenon is potentially lethal to the pilot. Hence these fighter aircraft are flown very gently in Finnish airspace 🙂

    • @timopkokko
      @timopkokko 2 года назад +1

      And then, the fleet of the American aircraft has served us beautifully. Sure there will be a mechanical issue eventually. That is way overdue. I know that we cannot repair these. We need new fighter jets from the United States of America. We love them a lot, baby. Sure they get old, eventually. We try to keep them in the sky as long as we can.
      They are so beautiful.

    • @timopkokko
      @timopkokko 2 года назад

      I have an urge for Magic Spoon. Why it is not available in Finland at all 🙂

    • @timopkokko
      @timopkokko 2 года назад

      Unfair

  • @JoeMitchell2
    @JoeMitchell2 2 года назад +61

    I’m a former Prowler maintainer, and I honestly deeply love those old clunky fuckers despite myself. That’s not ever going to change… nostalgia is a helluva thing. With that said, the Growler really is a massive improvement in just about every conceivable aspect. I mean, if nothing else the commonality with the existing Hornet fleet & advancements / improvements / streamlining in maintenance processes & accessibility is something I have to acknowledge as a tech. As magnificent a platform as the Prowler was, keeping them airborne & mission-capable was a *massive* pain, and dealing with things such as failures / damage to equipment that was literally irreplaceable because it hadn’t been manufactured in decades meant guys like me often had to spend an entire weekend rebuilding something. Not to mention things like how that mid-century tech used a lot of toxic or otherwise dangerous materials and processes that are even now likely not entirely well-understood. I mean there was one shop in AVI where all the folks working there ended up having daughters. Coincidence? Yeah, probably - but the solvents, sealants, and various forms of energy these systems radiated are going to affect the human body, you know? The newer stuff is not only a lot easier to get to & repair, it’s a lot less dangerous because those kinds of risks are better understood and actually considered during design & implementation.
    Besides all that though, just consider how far electronics & signals technology has advanced in the time between the development of the Prowler to that of the Growler. Like, many parts of the Prowler were using frankly ancient, in some cases through-hole discrete component design boards, whereas the Growler uses micro-level multilayered boards with full support for integrated circuits. It’s a quantum leap in both performance and scale. For the layperson, think of the difference between telephones of the Prowler era and those of the Growler’s. There’s just no comparison.
    The Prowler guarded the skies in support of our aircraft for decades, now it’s the Growler’s turn, and I think we’re in good hands.

    • @callancollins7708
      @callancollins7708 Год назад +3

      Prowlers were ungodly loud.

    • @gregorymceaddy8884
      @gregorymceaddy8884 Год назад

      Quit your bitching...squid boy

    • @MrSheckstr
      @MrSheckstr Год назад +3

      Another advancement was the reduction in crew needed …. From 3 operators to just one….

    • @mikedrop4421
      @mikedrop4421 Год назад +2

      I like that Prowlers look like a pissed off bumble bee that turns into a warplane in an old cartoon.

    • @dadthelad
      @dadthelad Год назад

      Not saying that something toxic didn't cause all those men to only have daughters, but probability theory easily accounts for such anomalies. Let's say the odds of any child being born a girl is exactly 1/2, then the odds of 2 daughters in a row is 1/2 x 1/2 = 1/4. The odds of 3 is 1/2 x 1/2 x 1/2 = 1/8. Now lets say a group of 10 men between them have 20 children, and all are girls, the chance of that is (1/2)^20, or roughly 1 in a million. So lets say we have 10 million groups of 10 men, with each group having 20 children, then the odds of at least one of those groups having all daughters is very high.
      This is a common phenomena of probability. Events that occur with extremely high frequency, will regularly produce some extremely low probability outcomes.
      It's like lotto. The odds of you winning it are ridiculously low. However, there are a ridiculously high number of tickets sold, so quite regularly, some lucky bastard wins.

  • @juanarce6900
    @juanarce6900 2 года назад +91

    The design of the F-18 has paid off. The versatility is way high, who knows what other uses could be around the corner. Awesome video Juan.

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  2 года назад +5

      Thank you Juan!

    • @MothMizzle
      @MothMizzle 2 года назад +7

      It's incredible that the Growler can trace its development all the way back to the Northrop T-38 Talon and F-5 Freedom Fighter.

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  2 года назад +5

      @@MothMizzle indeed! I've done a video on the F-5 but still need to do one on the T-38. Thanks for commenting!

    • @mikedelta1441
      @mikedelta1441 2 года назад +1

      @@MothMizzle Evolved from a Northrop design and now sold by Northrop-Grumman's direct competitor, Boeing.

    • @thatdude9096
      @thatdude9096 2 года назад +1

      @@mikedelta1441 I thought Boeing bought Northrop?

  • @EL_Duderino68
    @EL_Duderino68 7 месяцев назад +3

    We Australians are your best buddies. We've served in just about every war with you. No wonder you shared this with us,

  • @robzilla60
    @robzilla60 2 года назад +47

    Great Video. I served in the US Navy in the late 70's, early 80's working on the EA-6B Prowlers assigned to VAQ-138. Our jets were very capable back then, and great assets to the strike group. I can see where today's technology has surpassed the 'old stuff'. The Growler airframe is truly a great asset today as the Prowler was back then. Hats off to the maintainers of today for carrying forward our tradition.

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  2 года назад +5

      Thank you for your service!

    • @musicon1197
      @musicon1197 2 года назад +5

      Rampage

    • @carson3201
      @carson3201 2 года назад +6

      Current maintainer with VAQ-140 myself!

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  2 года назад +5

      @@carson3201 thank you for your ongoing service - individuals like yourself putting the work to keep these birds in the air are the role models I encourage my children to emulate.

    • @ernie5144
      @ernie5144 2 года назад +6

      VAQ-134 vet here… did 4 deployments with them. Fun times!

  • @benwelch4076
    @benwelch4076 2 года назад +95

    I had no idea about this aircraft. Way more capability than I had thought, glad I was out voted on this one! Great job on the video, I learned a lot. Due to the quality of the production on this video, 50k might not be far off! Excellent work, cheers.

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  2 года назад +9

      Thank you Ben, much appreciated. I learn from each video I research and produce and am always happy to hear that I passed on some of that to my viewers.

    • @soonerfrac4611
      @soonerfrac4611 2 года назад +1

      It’s a great system but not as good as the F-16CJ. At least in SEAD mission.

    • @jayrod9979
      @jayrod9979 2 года назад +5

      Boeing hated the name Growler...because of the connection to Northrop-Grunman's EA-6 Prowler. Fortunately the US Navy stuck with the name the sailors gave her!

    • @AA-xo9uw
      @AA-xo9uw 2 года назад +5

      @@soonerfrac4611 How many ALQ-99 pods can a Viper carry?

    • @brett327
      @brett327 2 года назад +1

      @@soonerfrac4611 CJs (now CM) can't provide Electronic Attack. What they do is just one piece of the SEAD puzzle.

  • @carymcgrath9620
    @carymcgrath9620 2 года назад +12

    I love seeing the Super Hornets, Growlers and now F35's flying over the Gold Coast into RAAF base in Amberley.

    • @dna6882
      @dna6882 Год назад +1

      I used to get the same thing on my farm in NZ when we were flying the skyhawks...... miss those days....

  • @UNS33NSHAD0W
    @UNS33NSHAD0W 2 года назад +35

    As someone in the growler community, this video is pretty spot on and very well done.

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  2 года назад +4

      Thank you, Chris! That is the best praise I can receive on a video - and thank you for your service!

    • @Masta-Blasta
      @Masta-Blasta 2 года назад

      Seems capable for sure, but surprised these capabilities are focused on the super hornet fuselage type and not the F35's.

    • @user-qr8ki8ue4i
      @user-qr8ki8ue4i 2 года назад +4

      @Chris Novak, are you one of the dudes buzzing directly over my house at 500ft AGL in the eastern Wa foothills training zone (from NAS Whidbey)? If so, more please! Had four of them rattle the bones out of me yesterday. Love it. A pilot friend of mine showed me the flight map. My house is uniquely located in between two ridges under the flight path. I love to watch and hear these glory birds come down and then scream up the ridge behind my house. (Much of the time they're over my house before I even hear them coming.) I've had almost twenty years of free air shows while living here. If I'm lucky enough to be outside and they're flyin' low and slow ...I get a wing-nod. One time I got a double wing-nod. Made my day. Pretty sure the pilots laughed at the crazy woman jumping up and down and fist-pumping like Yosemite Sam. I've taken a few flying lessons recently...love aviation and the art and science of flight, but I am terrified of being up in the air and making a mistake, so I thank you for your skill and dedication. I couldn't hack it.

  • @airprok8328
    @airprok8328 Год назад +8

    Of course it will. Teamed up with F 35’s and block 111 Super hornets, our navy is as lethal as it’s ever been. Coming from a naval family, I’m extremely proud of our navy and not afraid to say that it’s the best in the world and it’s not even close.

  • @davidmccarty6445
    @davidmccarty6445 2 года назад +103

    I'm a Vietnam veteran and I am completely blown away with our Navy's weapon capabilities

    • @Yuki_Ika7
      @Yuki_Ika7 2 года назад +11

      Thank you for your service, must have been rough

    • @FloridaManMatty
      @FloridaManMatty 2 года назад +16

      I always love the fact that the second largest air force on Earth is the United States Navy!! 😂

    • @Doltishkey
      @Doltishkey 2 года назад +7

      These things are no joke, I’ve been working on growlers for years and I’m still blown away.

    • @boostjunkie2320
      @boostjunkie2320 2 года назад +8

      we appreciate your service you Vietnam vets are legend's. You guys should have had a WW2 type of parade. My Grandfather was a Vietnam veteran. we can't even begin to imagine what you guys lived through for this country.

    • @rsmetz88
      @rsmetz88 2 года назад +5

      Welcome home David.

  • @spackle9999
    @spackle9999 2 года назад +47

    This is the kind of plane that secretly wins wars. These planes won't just do SEAD, but they'll disrupt an enemy's entire communication network. Without communication, you cease to be a cohesive fighting force. The countries that buy these and deploy them are brilliant.

    • @soonerfrac4611
      @soonerfrac4611 2 года назад +3

      It’s a great system and even has some Air Force WSO’s operating the back seat. But, in the SEAD/DEAD role the F16CJ teams do a better job. Simplified, the Navy approaches the raid area and when they get a RADAR spike they launch waves of HARMs in the area. This creates a bubble in which the strike package can operate & then quickly egress. The Navy has limited time and resources so they generally must drop their ordnance on target or have to ditch it to be able to safely land. So if they get the enemy RADAR to turn off they consider it a kill, regardless of the site being struck.
      By contrast, the Air Force Wild Weasels prefer DEAD over SEAD. They will still use the HARM but will use it to give themselves a bubble in which they can get close to the site and use Mavericks or bombs (they really liked cluster munitions before all that changed) and would try to obliterate the target. By contrast to the Navy, if an AF pilot is for whatever reason unable to drop, he/she can RTB with a full load and not jettison millions of dollars into the ocean unnecessarily.
      The Growler is great, but it’s better for the jamming role than the SEAD/DEAD just because of how the branches differ in use.

    • @fredgrimley8883
      @fredgrimley8883 Год назад +1

      @@soonerfrac4611 You are partially right.
      There are USAF WSOs that do USN EWO tours, both as TDYs, or as an orders-attached squadron mate with the exped squadrons deployed overseas. And yes, the F-16CJs do the SEAD role much better, using kinetics to take out emitter sites, but one of the reasons they've taken on more of that role is that they can only fire HARMs. The USN now only fires AARGMs (pronounced arrr-gum).
      The other stuff you talked about ... such as dropping ordnance on target, or having to ditch, isn't true. A Growler (Grizzly = at the boat callsign) doesn't have to dump it's AARGMs when it comes back to the boat. Nor does the strike group have to dump their entire ordnance load into the drink. They might have to lose one or two munitions, but that's why they have 'sel-jett' and then they can dump to max trap weight to get back aboard.

    • @airprok8328
      @airprok8328 Год назад +2

      You are absolutely right! A lot of people don’t realize this and think it’s all about going Mach 10, I swear. It’s nice to see people who actually understand what the military/ Navy really is.

    • @airprok8328
      @airprok8328 11 месяцев назад

      Are you saying the Hornet/growlers don’t contain bring back capabilities? You are sorely mistaken.

    • @greatBLT
      @greatBLT 11 месяцев назад

      Apparently, this plane is why the Chinese couldn't locate Pelosi when she was visiting Taiwan

  • @jomahawk7488
    @jomahawk7488 2 года назад +5

    My dad was an NFO in the EA-6B, specifically as the XO and then CO of VAQ-134 based out of Whidbey. He kept in touch with a lot of his Prowler buddies even after we moved to Germany for his next set of orders, and he kept me appraised of this plane. He was always super excited about it, telling me how it was a combination of his plane and a Hornet, and how it would open up so many possibilities for our entire military. This video is giving me the same excited vibes he always gave me when he talked about the stuff he heard from his buddies, and for that, I thank you!

  • @andrewblack293
    @andrewblack293 2 года назад +4

    Vaq 138 Veteran here. Worked on em for 4 years right after the transition from the EA6B Prowler

  • @miketeeveedub5779
    @miketeeveedub5779 2 года назад +46

    I seem to remember that a Growler won some sort of 'Top Gun" type air combat demonstration a few years back. A very capable platform - a miracle for Boeing.
    btw - It's crazy just how hard those Hornets/Growlers land, even on land-based runways.

    • @notthatdonald1385
      @notthatdonald1385 2 года назад +5

      The Blue Angels have to re-learn a 'soft' landing. When they first start training they hit the deck like on a carrier.

    • @brett327
      @brett327 2 года назад +1

      @@notthatdonald1385 that's absurd... and false.

    • @YaMomsOyster
      @YaMomsOyster 2 года назад +1

      @@notthatdonald1385 that makes sense as they no longer hit full throttle like a carrier landing

    • @airprok8328
      @airprok8328 Год назад

      Hahah! Look up how the Air Force lands vs how the Navy lands. They know they have the gear to do it and that’s how they are use to landing the n carriers

  • @ryancuts
    @ryancuts 2 месяца назад +2

    There amazing, im so happy Australia has 12 of these 🇦🇺

  • @darksideofthemoon488
    @darksideofthemoon488 2 года назад +4

    I was assigned to the VAQ-132 in Whidbey Island. I remember doing inventory on those Crash Packets which consisted of paperwork for an emergency landing and one credit card. I remember going through 544's packet many times.

  • @charmans133
    @charmans133 2 года назад +8

    I just discovered your channel and wow its awesome!! This was alot of great info! And my favorite things you do over other military channels is that a person is actually talking NOT some computer generated commentary where you only understand half of the content and the fact that you give us info throughout the whole video where others talk for only half of the video and the rest is just watching military footage which is nice but id rather hear more info which is why i tuned in!!! GREAT JOB!!

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  2 года назад +2

      Thank you! I can' t produce videos as quickly as other channels since I have to record my voice and edit (it doubles the production time) but I am glad you appreciate it.

  • @paullukasik8698
    @paullukasik8698 Год назад +2

    Saw a growler demo team this May in NY, never saw them before and they have quickly become my favorite plane after the Raptor. This is a bad ass plane.

  • @inCawHoots
    @inCawHoots 2 года назад +5

    Zapper here.
    When people talk about the Super Hornet, they don’t know about this variant.
    Got that Zapper Pride for being in the oldest EA squadron. ^^

  • @davidsherman7868
    @davidsherman7868 2 года назад +12

    I'm actually quite surprised it took so long for those in charge, to phase out the Prowler, and get super Hornets kitted out to take over the electronic warfare role. The Prowler has been around for a long time. And the fact a Hornet can attack and defend itself, is a no-brainer, in my opinion.

    • @jomahawk7488
      @jomahawk7488 2 года назад

      Much like the 1911 pistol or the M4 rifle, the Prowler was an air platform that forgot to become obsolete. It provided a service that nobody really knew how vital it would be, and yes, even though the Prowler had no way of defending itself, I doubt those assigned to escort and support it minded all that much.
      That being said, the Growler is pretty damn cool.

  • @mccare13
    @mccare13 2 года назад +5

    F-22 fighters and EA-18 together dominate the sky and they are unstoppable. It is truly a secret weapon. I am glad US military has this gem.

  • @dan725
    @dan725 2 года назад +17

    I love how you’re getting sponsorships now; indicative that your channel is deservedly growing! Hahaha love the little references your dropped. “5th gen cereal, battle of the bulge, the right stuff…” But my favorite line is “0 grams of sugar, so you could avoid the danger zone..” LOL nice.

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  2 года назад +3

      Thank you, Dan much appreciated! Thanks for being a subscriber for so long and I always enjoy your comments - glad you got the references :)

  • @mikebrown9997
    @mikebrown9997 2 года назад +5

    Those Growler pilots are true heroes of our defense of our Naval assets. God bless them.

  • @shanehansen3705
    @shanehansen3705 2 года назад +3

    very proud and thankful that the US trust us Aussies so much to be able to operate a squadron these

    • @johnback0007
      @johnback0007 9 месяцев назад +1

      Aussie always been trust worthy for her friends, she is important for her friends especially for USA. Love from USA

  • @benjaminodonnell258
    @benjaminodonnell258 2 года назад +11

    I find "The Growler" hilarious as a name for a plane, because in Tasmania, where I grew up, "growler" was a euphemism for female genetalia - as in "Show us ya growler!" yelled out of car windows at young women by drunken young hoons...

    • @joesteele3159
      @joesteele3159 2 месяца назад +1

      @@benjaminodonnell258 Now I know how to pick up women in Tasmania

  • @Mangold2865
    @Mangold2865 Год назад

    I live on Camano Island. Right next to Whidbey Island where Growlers are based at NAS Whidbey. I do landscaping and see these guys flying around daily. Love every minute of it! 🇺🇸

  • @reneelyse
    @reneelyse 2 года назад +1

    Not sure how much of a secret the Growlers are. We in Victoria, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada hear them frequently around 10:00 -10:30 PM coming from Whidbey Island and growling their way north above Victoria. I love that low, rough sound.

    • @zeushighlights5891
      @zeushighlights5891 2 года назад +1

      I’m in port Angeles. See and hear them all day long. Pretty cool

  • @SurfnTurfdfl
    @SurfnTurfdfl 2 года назад +6

    Another great video, breaking it down and giving us the facts, very informative and visually appealing!!!! Great job!!!!

  • @greggakerley7658
    @greggakerley7658 2 года назад +1

    The growler was a beautiful idea that came together perfectly. Every running back needs a lead blocker.

  • @beyond_the_infinite2098
    @beyond_the_infinite2098 2 года назад +4

    Back in the early 80s at NAS Alameda, I climbed into the cockpit of an EA-6B Prowler to check out the instrumentation and electronics and the shop foreman chased me off. I was an electronics tech with Secret clearance but with no need to know - but I just had to check out all the goodies. At the time I tested and repaired various ASQ and ALQ systems.

    • @mikemarley2389
      @mikemarley2389 2 года назад

      It is a shame NAS Alameda is no longer a functioning Air Base.

    • @beyond_the_infinite2098
      @beyond_the_infinite2098 2 года назад

      @@mikemarley2389 Yes, Mike it is a shame especially when Alameda had just undergone major military construction upgrades. The base was left open long enough to complete contracts. Several reasons for Alameda closing: 1) It was the most expensive depot to operate; 2) It was the EEO grievous capital with more racial and sex discrimination cases than all the other depots combined; 3) local government was opposed to military and reps always voted against appropriations; 3) SF Mayor Art Fagnos told the Navy to pound sand when they were going to expand ports in the SF Bay Area. Navy had enough liberal nonsense and left.

    • @mikemarley2389
      @mikemarley2389 2 года назад

      @@beyond_the_infinite2098 I do not blame them.

  • @trplankowner3323
    @trplankowner3323 2 года назад +4

    What do I think? As long as the EA-18G is the only platform to have high Probability of Intercept (POI) under "Look-Through" operations, enemy aircraft won't know what hit them and USN, USMC and RAAF SEAD missions will plow through enemy air defenses like a steel moldboard plow. That's what I think.

  • @smacman68
    @smacman68 Год назад +1

    You misspoke at the beginning. You mentioned the “occasional” submarine. A carrier NEVER sails without an attack boat. Ever. Even if she’s just transiting from one port to another, heading out just for the day or going on a 6 month deployment. There’s always a sub protecting her. Because she is the biggest target for enemy subs.

  • @timbaskett6299
    @timbaskett6299 8 месяцев назад

    I remember getting excited when I'd see an EF-111A at Moutain Home AFB. There were several F-111s, but only a few "Spark Varks".

  • @exposingthedarknesswiththe9190
    @exposingthedarknesswiththe9190 2 года назад +2

    *THE NEW GROWLER IS A GREAT DEFENSIVE WEAPON AND IS WORTH OF MUCH PRAISE!!*

  • @joevicmeneses8918
    @joevicmeneses8918 2 года назад +3

    Excellent explanation of the EA-18 Growler.

  • @brettk9316
    @brettk9316 Год назад +3

    Only two countries on the planet has these that is pretty legit compared to most other jets.

  • @michaelgeffner3622
    @michaelgeffner3622 2 года назад +3

    Very good presentation. Kept me wondering what aspect of this great airplane can do next. Thank you. Your voice is well modulated. Keep up the fine work. 🙂

  • @cdp200442
    @cdp200442 2 года назад +5

    The most powerful military force is the 450 USAF Minuteman missiles and the Bomber fleet.. nothing kicks ass faster than the USAF ..also the USAF is getting the most advanced (EW) aircraft made the EC-37B next year. So good news .. I have been right up close to a Growler.. darn good aircraft.

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  2 года назад +2

      In terms of strategic weapons absolutely - what I meant (and should have specified) was conventional forces: a US carrier strike group is widely regarded as the most potent form of firepower and power projection in the world. Thanks for commenting!

    • @cdp200442
      @cdp200442 2 года назад

      @@PilotPhotog yes they do keep are oceans safe for shipping. I agree

  • @ftc9258
    @ftc9258 2 года назад +5

    Thanks for this another well-made video of my favorite plane. When I first saw the EA-18G, it kinda reminded me of an old Johnny Depp and Charlize Theron movie "The Astronaut's Wife." 🤨 My personal favorite is the VAQ-141 "Shadowhawks" paint scheme. Both Black/Gray and Red/Gray. 😉

    • @SurfnTurfdfl
      @SurfnTurfdfl 2 года назад +2

      Loved seeing the fully painted bird on deck when I was on the Roosevelt, took photos of all the fully painted ones and you are right, it is one of the best looking(next to VF-84 Jolly Roger) birds out there....Ah the memories...

  • @danield9021
    @danield9021 2 года назад +1

    Loved seeing these when I lived near NAS Whidbey.

  • @scottnj2503
    @scottnj2503 2 года назад +5

    Another great post Tog. Thorough and accurate. This variant of the F/A-18F that full capitalizes on the Super Hornet's strengths and advancement in EW technology. Given the challenging environment today's military procurement face (always face), I speculate we will see this platform serving well beyond that of the traditional F/A-18E/Fs. Easily approaching a 40 year service life i.e. another 30 years.🤓

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  2 года назад +1

      Agreed Scott and thank you as always. I feel that EW will start to play a more prominent role - especially in the Western Pacific...

  • @Rainlei625
    @Rainlei625 2 года назад +1

    Great video. I am currently with VAQ-134 doing things overseas.

  • @flatearthwatertownnewyork1141
    @flatearthwatertownnewyork1141 2 года назад +3

    I was in vaq-139 we had the EA 6B prowlers in 2002-2004

  • @dgterronez
    @dgterronez 2 года назад

    "A 5th generation cereal"
    That is probably the best description of any product on a channel about avionics. You have me sold.

  • @logannicholson1850
    @logannicholson1850 2 года назад +2

    The F-18 is perhaps the most versatile of the teen series aircraft able to do an unbelievable amount of jobs

  • @blakena4907
    @blakena4907 2 года назад +8

    It's gonna be sad when all the F/A-18s are retired and we can't call carriers hornet nests anymore. "Lightning" just doesn't have the same feel.

    • @appa609
      @appa609 2 года назад +1

      F-35 needs a punchy nickname that's not "fat amy"

    • @spackle9999
      @spackle9999 2 года назад

      @@appa609 They should bring back "Banshee". F-35s are ghosts, anyway. It fits.

    • @JoeMitchell2
      @JoeMitchell2 2 года назад +1

      Maybe call the carriers thunderclouds or storm cells? I kind of like the Lightning name, especially as a tribute to the P-38.

  • @diecastworld7962
    @diecastworld7962 2 года назад +20

    Yes that's an amazing video now F 18 is always the legend wether in electronic warfare , high AoA capabilities, AESA radar , 0.5 RCS equipped with internal weapon bay pods.
    F 14 Tomcat is always Overrated while F 18 Superhornet has always overlooked and seen as inferior aircraft but tomcats are no match for F 18

    • @soonerfrac4611
      @soonerfrac4611 2 года назад

      Neither are 9g planes even clean. Jussayin….

    • @AA-xo9uw
      @AA-xo9uw 2 года назад +2

      Find yourself a copy of "Battle of the Superfighters" and get edified.

  • @_BLACKSTAR_
    @_BLACKSTAR_ 2 года назад +3

    @ 3:04 the narrator says "However the E-18 Growler has many advantages over it's replacement"
    I think he should have said "predecessor" instead of replacement.

  • @wallyhaskett6737
    @wallyhaskett6737 2 года назад

    The Growler is one bad ass aircraft. What a great machine and we should be building many more of them for the best pilots in the navy to help keep us safe. Love that Growler

  • @BooperTrooper912
    @BooperTrooper912 2 года назад +1

    I remember getting my orders to VAQ-132 and was excited about going on a long cruise on the Carl Vinson. . .only to be called by my sponsor and notified that we are now expeditionary, so to Iraq we went for the first operational Growler deployment. I miss it a lot.

    • @bowenmaxwell540
      @bowenmaxwell540 2 года назад

      I was a gray wolf and we’re also expeditionary. Living in a tent in turkey was great. Saudi was not so great

  • @formateuramzal1567
    @formateuramzal1567 2 года назад +2

    Excellent content, non-biased, Keep-up the good work...

  • @JeffNeelzebub
    @JeffNeelzebub 2 года назад +4

    As amazing as this aircraft is, the capabilities this will have with the NGJ will basically make it a whole new aircraft, multiplying its EW capabilities significantly.

  • @bret9741
    @bret9741 Год назад +1

    The biggest weakness of this platform IS THE PROBLEM that has always plagued the F-18. Yes maintenance per flight hour has dropped BUT the Hornet/Growler has a need to refuel shortly after takeoff and then again on its way back to base/carrier. The numbers of cycles per mission had to increase over the A-6 and EA-6B. So the hornets wore out a lot faster than anticipated plus the Navy had to purchase additional platforms because the hornet replace everything but Helicopters, CODs and E2C’s. So the cost savings hasn’t been nearly as good as the sales brochure.
    Any navy Navy fighter, fighter attack and Electronics warfare platform needs a combat radius of at least 500 nm and preferably 650

  • @SonsOfSevenless
    @SonsOfSevenless 2 года назад +2

    10:00 smoothest naval aviator landing

  • @dylanwight5764
    @dylanwight5764 2 года назад +14

    The Super Hornet and the Growler together prove something which in recent years has been doubled down upon by an utter failure in both Air Force and Navy designs -- modularity _always_ plays second fiddle to interoperability. The most vaunted "advantage" of the F-35 is that it can be quickly configured for most mission profiles with a number of plug-in systems compatible with its airframe and avionics fittings. Well, the Growler began life not as a dedicated EAW airframe but as a regular Super Hornet fitted "for but not with" these same plug-in systems. RAAF Super Hornets themselves were rolling off the line in this fashion before the decision was finalized to acquire purpose-made Growlers. That means some of the RAAF's Super Hornet fleet are already wired for EAW should the need arise to convert them also. In practice this provides customers with a cheaper and nearly as capable -- as well as equally upgradable -- alternative to the F-35 in the Super Hornet family. Because the simple fact is not everybody needs, let alone wants, the F-35's admittedly fine capabilities when there is a more affordable (long term as well as at point of acquisition) option already developed that meets and exceeds the needs of these customers anyway.
    I don't want to say anything too hurtful about the F-35 though. It is a fine successor to the Super Hornet family and a very forward-thinking design should we all decide that we need an airframe which can take on the roles of _two_ airframe families (Super Hornets and Vipers) and it most certainly has a more desirable radar profile to either. But its expense and sophistication are practical disadvantages all operators need to be aware of. The Super Hornet isn't going anywhere any time soon. One day it might just _be_ second fiddle to the F-35 but it has a long life ahead of it until then. And the Growler has proven this.

    • @spackle9999
      @spackle9999 2 года назад +4

      Think about how lethal a combo of F-35s and Growlers could be. F-35 is practically invisible, and Growler can poke your eyes out with impunity. There is no air defense in the world that can stop you. Looking to the future, it will be necessary to have a duel seat plane to carry an operator for the drone control pods. F-18 being a modular jack-of-all-trades, it could easily accommodate the task.

    • @EmillioMelendez
      @EmillioMelendez 2 года назад +2

      @@spackle9999 what about the occasional F22?

    • @AA-xo9uw
      @AA-xo9uw 2 года назад +1

      "I don't want to say anything too hurtful about the F-35 though. It is a fine successor to the Super Hornet family"(sic)
      The F-35 is replacing the legacy Hornet not the Super Hornet. The Super Hornet will be succeeded by the F/A-XX.

    • @chevychase3103
      @chevychase3103 2 года назад

      If the Lightnings are so good why would they even need a growler?

  • @thedarkknight803able
    @thedarkknight803able 2 года назад +2

    Awesome video of the Growler!😎👍🏿

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  2 года назад

      Thanks 👍glad you enjoyed it!

  • @KernowekTim
    @KernowekTim 2 года назад +3

    Rule North America, the 'Stars and Bars' now rules the waves, with some help from her allies we shall never ever be Evil's slaves. U.S naval dominance is awesome, literally. The F18 has 'been there, done that' and so qualifies to wear it's legendary status as fleet defender and war-horse in the skies above the 'mother ship' and fleet. A truly great all-weather, all mission, killing machine. Stay safe my friend, and, '"Thank you, as always".

  • @mxcollin95
    @mxcollin95 2 года назад

    Super interesting! Thanks for posting! 👍

  • @XLA-zg1nn
    @XLA-zg1nn 2 года назад +1

    Always a fan of the 18. great video

  • @raymondyee2008
    @raymondyee2008 2 года назад +2

    I know the Growler was ominously absent in “Top Gun Maverick” in dealing with the SA-3 SAMs but that wouldn’t have made for a fun movie to watch.

    • @geraldmarfoe348
      @geraldmarfoe348 2 года назад

      "Top Gun: Maverick" would have been more realistic with a few EA-18G Growlers jamming enemy radars or using HARMs to destroy enemy radars, but then Maverick and Rooster wouldn't have been hit.

  • @RickySpanish12344
    @RickySpanish12344 2 года назад +1

    Another thing that's really smart by the military is the development of drones that are designed to mimic other aircraft radar signature. They can flood an area with them, causing massive confusion. This can allow non stealth aircraft like the F-15 to be viable again.

  • @mikemarley2389
    @mikemarley2389 2 года назад +1

    Wow, the TWR almost 100%.Impressive.

  • @TheRogueElement
    @TheRogueElement 2 года назад +2

    Fantastic production my friend I never miss a video 👍

  • @gibbsm
    @gibbsm 2 года назад +1

    EA-18G is one of my faves.

  • @rontenfingers7835
    @rontenfingers7835 Год назад

    Framp w/VAQ-129 Vikings, 1983-84. Marine Corps. Then, MAG 42, Det C for the Vietnam Era EA-6A. Transitioned to the Prowlers, all as Avionics Technician. Always working on these birds, enjoyed my time in the Corps, until injury took me out (83-91).

  • @baliharsingh2315
    @baliharsingh2315 2 года назад +2

    Bless you bro

  • @davidgpeterson
    @davidgpeterson 2 года назад +4

    10:01 That might be the hardest non-carrier landing I’ve ever seen!!

    • @whosthomo1861
      @whosthomo1861 2 года назад +3

      😂 ol mate probably never landed on land before by looking at that

    • @zidniafifamani2378
      @zidniafifamani2378 2 года назад +1

      Old habit die hard, you must went full throttle while landing on carrier

  • @lbbradley55
    @lbbradley55 2 года назад +1

    What's most amazing about these aircraft is how many weapon systems they have in such a small fighter aircraft. !

    • @bowenmaxwell540
      @bowenmaxwell540 2 года назад

      I’m a grouch, it’s an attack aircraft not technically a fighter aircraft , grouch out.

  • @wayneblackler2818
    @wayneblackler2818 2 года назад +6

    Wonderful aircraft. No way it breaks Mach 1 with those external stores.

    • @musicon1197
      @musicon1197 2 года назад +1

      without pods you can go Supersonic.

    • @AA-xo9uw
      @AA-xo9uw 2 года назад

      @@musicon1197 Clean not dirty and only at altitude.

  • @scottlink183
    @scottlink183 2 года назад

    Great video. Nicely done! Thank you!

  • @cotabom
    @cotabom 2 года назад +5

    I love the vid, Tog! One of my friends and I were just talking about the Growler a few days ago. He'd love this vid! I do have a question however. Its about the future of Growlers. If given the opportunity, do you think that USAF would upgrade the Growlers to the more modern F/A-18 Block III? Personally I think it would have added benefits at the reduction of cost as well before they fully invest into another advanced EW aircraft.

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  2 года назад +2

      Thanks and glad you enjoyed the vid! I think (hope) the Navy upgrades the Growlers to the Block III standard, the need for electronic warfare aircraft probably has never been greater.

    • @cotabom
      @cotabom 2 года назад +2

      @@PilotPhotog I agree completely. The need for EW is very apparent in the modern day and an upgrade to the Block III will go a long way in my eyes.

    • @AA-xo9uw
      @AA-xo9uw 2 года назад

      "do you think that USAF would upgrade the Growlers to the more modern F/A-18 Block III?"(sic)
      The zoomies only fly the EA-18G. No way they would pay to upgrade aircraft that belong to the Navy. They've gotten quite used to sucking off the Prowler/Growler teat for nearly 30 years.

  • @leonardsnebold2781
    @leonardsnebold2781 2 года назад +10

    I believe that the Growler should be fitted with the conformal fuel tanks of the block III Super Hornets so as to free up two of the underwing pylons stations which would be better used for harm missiles or other weapon systems

    • @AA-xo9uw
      @AA-xo9uw 2 года назад +1

      CFTs for Navy Super Bug's is a dead issue.

    • @leonardsnebold2781
      @leonardsnebold2781 2 года назад

      @@AA-xo9uw dead issue? Elaborate how and when did it become a dead issue?

    • @brett327
      @brett327 2 года назад

      @@leonardsnebold2781 CFTs don't buy enough range or endurance to be worth the cost. Not going to happen.

    • @AA-xo9uw
      @AA-xo9uw 2 года назад

      @@leonardsnebold2781 The Navy halted all development on Super Bug CFTs issuing a stop-work order to Boeing on 6 January 2021. Too many issues with "cost, schedule and performance" most notably an incompatibility with the rough and tumble world of CVN flight ops; "technical, structural, and sustainment in a carrier environment." Block IIIs coming off the line have the ability to be fitted with CFTs if any foreign operators so choose but it's all moot now where the Navy is concerned.

    • @aaaeee2862
      @aaaeee2862 Год назад

      Your right. The new F-18 block 3 has fuel tanks on top. It would free up a lot of space in the underbelly.

  • @mesoflushy
    @mesoflushy 2 года назад +4

    It's not an occasional submarine but rather always a submarine or 2

  • @f14tomcat46
    @f14tomcat46 2 года назад +4

    Finally make the F/A -18 Growler great and...make your family proud 😁

  • @DavidSL64
    @DavidSL64 2 года назад

    Excellent review, thanks!

  • @ghostrider88jinetedelfanta31
    @ghostrider88jinetedelfanta31 2 года назад +2

    I remember the Prowler was flying in the Med (I think), during one of the Middle East, Libyan crisises. It shutdown everything electronic in that area. I can't help but think, that a detachment of Growlers should go on NATO "exercises" with Poland & Romania close to the Ukrainian border. Disorganize the Russian forces even further!!

  • @jebb125
    @jebb125 Год назад

    I was at VX23 in the flight test program from first flight of E1 to the G`s. we had a ton of fun execpt going to ridgecrest

  • @JAGRAFX
    @JAGRAFX 2 года назад +1

    Its hard to believe that the new Growlers are using a new version of the AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System that we were working on some fifty years ago. Survivability and use of the -99 has been a record equal to the Hornet aircraft carrying it.

    • @JoeMitchell2
      @JoeMitchell2 2 года назад

      The -99 is just that good. I worked on them & even I don’t know the full limits of its capabilities. I’ve heard some stories from folks who were closer to where they got to flex their muscles, and if I were to only believe the less fantastical half of them I’d still be blown away.

  • @tomstanton6952
    @tomstanton6952 2 года назад

    One underrated , beast ! Wow ! So much I thought I knew that I had no idea…. Thanks to badass video that the Growler ain’t something to mess with! ✌🏻🙌🏻 thankfully one of ours 🇺🇸💯💯🙌🏻🙌🏻😎🍻❤️

  • @dalesharpy9197
    @dalesharpy9197 2 года назад

    NAS Whidbey Island, WA. Home of the Growler.

  • @richardjennings3341
    @richardjennings3341 7 месяцев назад

    Excellent depth.

  • @Edward-hn8ed
    @Edward-hn8ed 2 года назад +7

    I want to know what the F35's potential as a next gen growler is. It could be just as effective as the F18+ stealth.

    • @spackle9999
      @spackle9999 2 года назад +6

      It already is. F-35s can simultaneously attack enemy radars while still scanning and tracking. But Growler can disrupt just about all forms of communication except carrier pigeons, further reducing their ability to detect our aircraft, much less the stealthy ones.

    • @Justanotherconsumer
      @Justanotherconsumer 2 года назад +2

      @@spackle9999 the F-35 has a lot of this stuff already built in, but internal means harder to upgrade and replace.
      The Super Hornet variants might need a F-15EX variant as they fill a useful workhorse role.
      Might even be able to omit the G and just have the base airframe flexible enough to just carry pods - less aircraft types, easier logistics, easier cross-training.

    • @spackle9999
      @spackle9999 2 года назад +2

      @@Justanotherconsumer EX Needs the G to be a credible threat in the modern era. Otherwise, they're just flying targets. You can't just slap pods and call it good. The Growler has trouble generating enough electricity for all the systems and it can do jamming for (well) over 300 nm whereas the F-35 can only reliably jam a few radars at once. Growler will also generate enough power for laser pods, once they're here in a few years.
      I have an idea to turn the F-35B into a laser gunship. Just remove the central lift fan and replace it with a generator. That shaft can spin at 50K rpm, so even making one to handle that much rotation speed will be a challenge.

    • @curtekstrom9531
      @curtekstrom9531 Год назад

      The F-35 serves a different role than the EA-18G.

  • @frankcrawford416
    @frankcrawford416 2 года назад +1

    The f18 is sure gorgeous and very capable

  • @semisilopeti7124
    @semisilopeti7124 2 года назад

    America is blessed with every wisdom

  • @TheRobEh
    @TheRobEh 2 года назад +1

    As a Canadian, I belief our armws forces need to order several growlers along with at least 100 super hornets to upgrade our aging fleet.

  • @jonathanbirst3306
    @jonathanbirst3306 2 года назад +1

    I live near Whidby Island, it's fun to see them out on their training fights. A few years ago one of their pilots got in trouble for drawing a giant p***s with his exhaust Trail.

  • @ameanasaur
    @ameanasaur 2 года назад +1

    I don't ever comment about sponsorship ads but "You can avoid the danger zone and win the battle of bulge" got me. Brilliant.

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  2 года назад +1

      Thanks, glad you caught that and cheers!

  • @richardhall1667
    @richardhall1667 2 года назад +1

    Lol sounded like you went real hard on that ad. I was wondering why you were shouting about a magical spoon.
    Great video though, I love the channel.

  • @damienware8134
    @damienware8134 2 года назад +1

    Win win

  • @henrikerdland578
    @henrikerdland578 2 года назад +6

    Thanks for a great video.
    I wonder how it can be that the USAF don't have a EA aircraft like this.
    Maybe there will be a EA-15 EX Eagle in the future? 🤔

    • @PilotPhotog
      @PilotPhotog  2 года назад

      That would be cool!

    • @appa609
      @appa609 2 года назад +1

      F-15G

    • @spackle9999
      @spackle9999 2 года назад +1

      F-35 is a very capable EA/ECM platform. For specialized missions like this, you could configure drones to do the job, which USAF is working very hard on.

    • @AA-xo9uw
      @AA-xo9uw 2 года назад +1

      "I wonder how it can be that the USAF don't have a EA aircraft like this."
      Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?
      Congress has abdicated its responsibilities and allowed the zoomies to suck on the Prowler/Growler fleet for nearly 30 years. It should be written into law to force them to field a tactical AEA platform. Making the Prowler a national asset screwed over the Marine Corps and the Navy and let the zoomies off the ropes.

    • @AA-xo9uw
      @AA-xo9uw 2 года назад

      @randomguy9777 Better hurry as the Super Bug line won't be churning aircraft for much longer.

  • @HoganAJL75
    @HoganAJL75 2 года назад

    An absolutely stunning machine

  • @LeonAust
    @LeonAust 5 дней назад

    This is one of not so many 4.5 generation aircraft that can survive in a 5th generation networked world.
    One can add upcoming EA-18G Growler Block 3 upgrades and the New Generation Jamming pods to this aircraft it will be a good compliment to USNs F/A-18E-F Block 3 upgrades and their F-35C with their constant upgrades to TR3/Block 4.
    This aircraft will be a great force multiplier for the RAAF F-35A soon to be upgraded TR3/to Block 4 and F/A-18F block 2 to be block 3 super hornets and their loyal wingman drones

  • @tituslaronius
    @tituslaronius 2 года назад +1

    I love the Growler!!!

  • @LtViper
    @LtViper 2 года назад +1

    My favorite hornet variant next to the Block III

  • @AA-xo9uw
    @AA-xo9uw 2 года назад +1

    The EA-18G is Mach limited to 0.95 with pods hung. That may very well decrease with the increased size of ALQ-249 pods and the infamous pylon cant on the Super Bug wing.

    • @zidniafifamani2378
      @zidniafifamani2378 2 года назад

      The only operational fighter that can hit their full speed while carrying weapons is F-22 and F-35

  • @BengalLancer
    @BengalLancer 2 года назад

    I have never seen a secret aircraft before. Gr8 vid

  • @rubensanmaurodelbosqur1950
    @rubensanmaurodelbosqur1950 2 года назад +1

    Excelente video 👏.

  • @marywoll2828
    @marywoll2828 2 года назад

    Makes me feel good to watch your videos.because what you and I don’t know has got to be ……. Victory ✌️

  • @East_Coast_Toasty_Boy
    @East_Coast_Toasty_Boy Год назад

    These would be perfectly paired with F/A-14Es from the Super Tomcat 21 program in
    VFA squadrons.

  • @SddamAhmad-wz9kg
    @SddamAhmad-wz9kg 5 месяцев назад

    Khibiny EWS in Su 30SM's is the big challenge for EA Growler