Free Republic

A new electronic warfare variant of the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation J-16 twin-seat strike fighter made its first flight on December 18, IHS Jane’s reported, citing Chinese sources. The aircraft would add significant offensive capability to the People's Liberation Army Air Force. Images of the new aircraft emerged on several Chinese military web pages, including a December 21 video report on the popular Ifeng web page. Noteworthy modifications include two new wingtip pods, similar to the Northrop Grumman AN/ALQ-218 Tactical Jamming Receiver, IHS Jane’s reported. These new features have drawn comparisons to the E/A-18G Growler attack variant of Boeing's Super Hornet....

When Hornets Growl The new, supersonic face of e-warfare. By D.C. Agle Air & Space Magazine, March 01, 2011 No soft underbelly here: The EA-18G Growler hauls missiles, fuel tanks, and electronic warfare pods. Ted Carlson/Fotodynamics Two hours north of Seattle, Washington, at the eastern end of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the entrance to Puget Sound is guarded by a citadel dedicated to the aerial mastery and manipulation of one of the universe’s fundamental particles—the electron. The site, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, was originally envisioned as little more than a waypoint for patrol aircraft scanning the Sound...