The elderly Prowler is being chased off by the Growler! For many years the U.S. Navy has been operating the EA-6B Prowler, but it is now beginning to be replaced by the EA-18G Growler, an electronic warfare version of the famous F/A-18 Super Hornet. The very first EA-18G rolled out in public in 2006, with an initial operational capability to be gained in 2009. A total of 57 have been ordered by the U.S. Navy, with the Growler able to perform both escort jamming and standoff jamming. Specialist equipment includes AN/ALQ-218 wideband receivers and ALQ-99 high- and low-band tactical jamming pods to form a full-spectrum electronic warfare suite.

This electronic warfare Growler will not fly alone either. An F/A-18E Super Hornet is included in the box to act as an escort for this important aerial asset. The markings represent VFA-14 “Tophatters”, a U.S. Navy fighter attack squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore. VFA-14 has the distinction of being the navy’s oldest active squadron, and aircraft are distinguished by a top hat insignia on the tail as well as the tail code ‘NH’. With both an EA-18G and F/A-18 present in the box, this set is a fantastic opportunity for aircraft modelers to gain air superiority!