Aircraft/Navy

Sea Power, Jan 2002

To ensure the viability of the Prowler's warfighting capability through 2015, a Master Integration Program is used to optimize resources and maximize the inventory and availability of Prowlers to meet operational requirements. The plan incorporates all aircraft upgrades such as Block-89, Block-89A, Night Vision Capability, USO-113(V)3 Radio Countermeasures Set, Multimission Advanced Tactical Terminal/improved Data Modem and Improved Capability (ICAP Ill), with Standard Depot Level Maintenance (SDLM) and installation of new Wing Center Sections (WCSs).

Prowler Upgrades:

Block-82 To Block-89 Aircraft Upgrade. This congressionally mandated program includes installation of WCSs and SDLMs for the aircraft. In December 1998, the first mothballed aircraft updated to the Block-89 configuration and fitted with a new WCS and SDLM was delivered to the fleet on schedule. The last of these previously retired aircraft has been modified to the Block-89A configuration and was delivered to the fleet in December 2000.

Block-89A Aircraft Upgrade. This program provides safety, structural, configuration management, reliability and maintainability improvements, and incorporates new radios, an integrated GPS, and a major upgrade of the aircraft's mission computer. As of September 2001, 29 EA-613 aircraft had been modified to the Block-89A configuration. Nine squadrons, eight Navy and one Marine Corps, have completed deployments with Block-89A configured aircraft.

Night Vision Device (NVD). This design, procurement, and installation effort provides all EA-613 aircraft with night vision capability. Establishment of the Initial Operational Capability (IOC) is planned for early 2002. The NVD upgrade provides the fleet with a more effective warfighting capability by increasing aircrew situational awareness in the night strike environment, answering a critical need identified during Operation Allied Force.

Improved Capability (ICAP III). This program will provide EA-6Baircraft with a selective reactive jamming capability and improved reliability. It will improve the employment of the HARM and increase battlefield situational awareness of joint forces. The ICAP III will provide an upgrade of the ALQ-99 receiver system, integration of the USO-113 and various connectivity avionics. A competitive contract for modification of two EA-6Bs to the ICAP III configuration was awarded in March 1998; these aircraft were delivered for evaluation in late 2001. First production deliveries are planned for 2004, with IOC in 2005.

Multimission Advanced Tactical Terminal/Improved Data Modem (MATT/IDM). Successful development, operational assessment, and fleet introduction of the MATT/IDM enabled the capability to be used by forwarddeployed EA-613 aircraft providing tactical electronic warfare support during Operations Northern/Southern Watch.

Digital Storage Memory Unit (DSMU). The DSMU is an affordable readiness initiative to replace the Recorder Reproducer Set in the EA-6B in FY 2001/2002. It will utilize commercial-off-the-shelf components and personal computer memory cards to provide faster processing, increased reliability, availability, and maintainability and better data storage. First delivery of the Engineering Development Model (EDM) was accomplished in August 2000. Production is planned to start in 2002.