First flight for Block 89A version of EA-6B Prowler

Sea Power, Aug 1997

The Block 89A version of the Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler carrierbased electronic warfare aircraft has completed a successful first flight from the corporation's facility in St. Augustine, Fla. The aircraft, piloted by a Northrop Grumman crew for the 8 June flight, is the first of four Prowlers being modified by Northrop Grumman for validation and verification of the Block 89A avionics upgrades. After acceptance by the Navy, the first Block 89A is slated for testing at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.

The Block 89A upgrade includes installation of an ARC-210 radio, an embedded inertial navigation system, a global positioning system, hardware and software enhancements to the AYK-14 mission computer, a new instrument landing system, and a commercial off-the-shelf electronic flight instrumentation system. The upgrade is intended to standardize the Improved Capability II (ICAP II) in all 125 EA-6Bs still in service (of 170 built) in the Navy and Marine Corps inventory. The first aircraft built to the Block 89A configuration is expected to reach initial operational capability (IOC) in the year 2000.

Footnote: The Navy is expected to issue requests for proposals this summer for another major system upgrade-the Improved Capability III (ICAP Ill)-to the EA6B. The proposed ICAP III version will feature a reactive jamming capability that will allow more jamming energy on specified frequencies, and several communications displays for enhanced situational awareness. Northrop Grumman has teamed with Lockheed Martin's Sanders Associates, Litton Industries' Amecom, and PRB Associates to submit an ICAP III proposal.