Vietnam-era Navy plane takes aim at new enemy: Iraq's roadside bombs

San Diego Union Tribune ^ | June 12, 2007 | Jim Krane, AP

[RDTF]

ABOARD THE USS NIMITZ IN THE GULF – A secret aircraft that debuted in Vietnam and usually protects U.S. fighter jets has taken on a different and crucial task over Iraq – trying to stop the scourge of roadside bombs by jamming ground signals from mobile phones and garage door openers. The EA-6B Prowler is thought to be one of the most effective U.S. weapons against the bombs, the biggest killer of American service members in Iraq. But no one can be sure: Even supporters say its effectiveness is hard to measure.

The aircraft debuted at the tail end of Vietnam and was used in Kosovo and the 1991 Gulf War, escorting U.S. attack jets while jamming military radios, hostile radars and air defense batteries aimed at them. These days the Prowler focuses its jammers on smaller signals: those of mobile phones and garage door openers that are used to trigger roadside bombs in Iraq, said U.S. Navy Capt. David Woods, 49, of Ogden, Utah.

Often, it's hard to prove that a roadside bomb failed to explode because of Prowler jamming signals, Woods said. Still, he's confident the plane is making a difference against the bombs, which the military calls improvised explosive devices, or IEDs.

“When it's flying we have greater success and fewer IEDs going off,” Woods said. “It's kind of an insurance policy.”

Woods, the commander of Carrier Air Wing Eleven and one of the Navy's most experienced Prowler pilots, says few people understand the EA-6B's mission, which is to control the electromagnetic spectrum so allies can use it – but not enemies.

The Prowler and its electronic warfare system is so valuable it has never been exported – even to close allies. Details about the training of crew members are secret.

[ptlurking]

(I still think the F-111 I heard at Cannon were louder!)

I worked on the F111-D’s at Cannon from 1976 - 1980.
Great airplane...once the bugs were worked out.

The loudest plane I heard during my tour was when I was on TDY in England. The RAF Lightning...that was one loud plane!

[A.A. Cunningham]

With the Growler, one can see which way the Navy is going for it's future EW, and it looks more like the Raven than the Prowler.

One who puts his trust in the knowledge, forethought and vision of the powers that be at NAVAIR will soon be disappointed.

In addition, a clean Super Hornet, let alone a dirty one, cannot exceed Mach 1 below Angels 10, so "supersonic dash" is a moot point. Ingressing a strike package at higher altitude, which is where you'll need to be to exceed Mach 1, is crappy tactics. Compare the Super Hornet with a Hornet and you'll find it's a performance dog. NAVAIR has sold out the taxpayer yet again and too many people have allowed themselves to be suckered. That's one of the many reasons why the Marine Corps will continue to operate their Prowlers.

[jmq]

Presidential secret service van work on same principle. try to use your cell phone when this puppy goes by.