Restarting of EA-6B Component Production Line

Navy Newsstand ^ | 12/23/2003 10:50:00 AM | Naval Air Systems Command Public Affairs

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (NNS) -- Shortly after Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) announced the restarting of the Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems EA-6B outer wing panel production line in St. Augustine, Fla, a ceremony was held to commemorate the occasion on Dec. 17.

The production line, which was formerly in Bethpage, N.Y., befire closing in 1987, is expected to produce 54 shipsets. Delivery of the first shipset is scheduled for July 2005. Once completed, the outer wing panels will be installed on Prowlers at fleet sites or at Navy depots.

NAVAIR EA-6B Program Manager Capt. Ken Smolana who was on hand for the ceremony said, "We recently reevaluated our wing fatigue life algorithm with updated information based on tear-downs of worn out wings. The results of this told us we were actually wearing out wings at a much higher rate than previously estimated. This in turn forced us to remove from service a large number of aircraft ahead of schedule to await wing replacement.”

Capt. Smolana went on to say, “ Northrop’s performance and especially the wing production team at St. Augustine have been exceptional. Not only are they producing a quality product, they have accelerated production in an effort to help us quickly return the flyable EA-6B inventory to its previous level. Today’s startup of the outer wing panel line is a significant step in our path to recovery."

The EA-6B Prowler is the U.S. military’s only electronic attack aircraft. The primary mission of the aircraft is Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) in support of strike aircraft and ground troops by interrupting enemy electronic activity and obtaining tactical electronic intelligence within the combat area. Currently, the EA-6B force is addressing wing fatigue life issues due to the increased utilization of this low density/high demand asset.

“The restart of our production line underscores the importance of the Prowlers to our military and the faith the Navy has in us to successfully restart this production line,” said Patricia McMahon, Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems vice president and Electronic Warfare Integrated Product team leader.

In addition to the outer wing panels, Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems is currently producing wing center sections for EA-6B aircraft to meet fleet needs. The 64th wing center section will be delivered December 2003, six months ahead of contract schedule and the St. Augustine production line is ramping up to two wing center sections per month starting January 2004.

NAVAIR provides advanced warfare technology through the efforts of a seamless, integrated, worldwide network of aviation technology experts.

For more information about the EA-6B program contact Public Affairs Officer Denise Deon Wilson at 301-481-6263 or deond@navair.navy.mil.

For related news, visit the NAVAIR - Naval Air Systems Command Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/navair.

031213-N-7871M-001 Atlantic Ocean (Dec. 13, 2003) -- An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the Patriots of Electronic Attack Squadron One Four Zero (VAQ-140) prepares to launch from one of four steam-powered catapults on the flight deck aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73). The Norfolk, Va.-based nuclear powered aircraft carrier is conducting Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for an upcoming six-month deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Andrew Morrow. (RELEASED)

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

With the latest developments in the war, maybe somebody is realizing the reconnaissance really is important after all.

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

Ping!!

[narby]

I thought the EA-6B was retired.... Maybe that's the A-6???

[CasearianDaoist]

They are aslo modifying the strike eagle for a an electronic SEAD role.

[al baby]

Hey can someone post that picture of one of these jets sucking up that sailor and spiting his cloths out the back?

[Poohbah]

The A-6 and KA-6 (tanker variant) are retired. There are some "purple" Prowler squadrons with mixed USN/USAF aircrews.

The Navy is looking at an electronic attack variant of the F/A-18F, the EA-18G.

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

Yes, the A-6. I wasn't aware that the EF-111 was out of service, tho I certainly haven't heard hide nor hair of it for a good while.

[RicocheT]

The A-6 airframe always was a marvel. A multipurpose all weather aircraft that wasn't too big or heavy for its carrier role. It brought back a lot of aviators over the years from scary situations. The design is 1960's and has done great work since it was accepted into the Navy.

[Mr Rogers]

The last EF-111s went to the boneyard in Jun 98. The Prowler is less capable, but the US Navy believes electronic jamming is important while the USAF doesn't care about EW. The "Growler" will eventually replace the Prowler, while the USAF will continue with nothing.