The Airplane that Rips an Enemy's Eyes Out
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- čas přidán 28. 09. 2022
- Following the tremendous combat success of the FA-18F Super Hornet, the United States Navy and aerospace company Boeing began to experiment with an electronic warfare variant that could replace the aging Grumman EA-6B.
This led to the introduction of the EA-18G Growler, a direct derivative of the Super Hornet that had the best of both worlds. Despite being created for electronic warfare, the Growler retained its predecessor's top-notch performance and combat capabilities, making it a powerful asset for any air squadron.
The Growler could carry mighty AIM120 AMRAAM medium-range air-to-air missiles and AGM88 HARM anti-radiation missiles if needed, as well as multiple state-of-the-art electronic equipment to completely disrupt the sensors, communications and weapons networks of any hostile force.
All these features came in handy during Operation Odyssey Dawn in 2011, when a squad of Growlers was deployed to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya and halt Muammar Gaddafi’s plans during the extremely violent civil war...
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Join Dark Skies as we explore the world of aviation with cinematic short documentaries featuring the biggest and fastest airplanes ever built, top-secret military projects, and classified missions with hidden untold true stories. Including US, German, and Soviet warplanes, along with aircraft developments that took place during World War I, World War 2, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Gulf War, and special operations mission in between.
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All content on Dark Skies is researched, produced, and presented in historical context for educational purposes. We are history enthusiasts and are not always experts in some areas, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us with corrections, additional information, or new ideas. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
In case anyone was wondering what that tiny propeller is for on the front of the pods - it's a generator. When flying, the wind spins the prop, and the attached generator generates electricity for the pod.
Like the rat on the actual jet
Definitely one of the most useful replies I've read on CZcams
is that the MAIN source of power or a backup? I assumed it might have been backup power in case the aircraft lost an engine (and it's generator), but I suppose a radio/radar jammer might need enough extra juice to have to generate it's own.
@@DFX2KX My guess would be emergency back-up. Primary power would be the aircraft's engine generators.
@@DFX2KX The pods each have their own power, separate from the aircraft. Four big pods need a lot of juice!
The off bore sighting really makes the American planes very deadly it doesn't have to win a turn
The Russians had that first with their IR missiles.
@@louisbabycos106 yeah but the russian stuff still sucks. we've always done it better.
The prowler was by far my favorite jet on my carrier, USS Carl Vinson, it was the loudest and when I worked in the officers mess I got to talk to pilots. The electronic damage and capabilities of that thing are insane and it had that bad ass copper roof on it.
I got to watch one of the last Marine Prowlers take off when I visited the National Museum of Naval Aviation a long while ago. My dad told me they were loud, but I was still surprised at just how loud it was.
@@ljessecusterl hell yeah!
I love how there’s four dudes sitting in it like they’re going to Chilis
@@Nakanos17 lol😂
The only trouble is young man that, Ahem - a growler means something VERY different in the UK! - if you're a lady that is. LOL!
One cool airplane 😎😎😎😎 all the same!!!
When I was in the US Navy, I worked on A6 and EA6B's I never thought they could replace the EA6B it was such a good plane. But they did and the Growler shines and totally is a work of art! RIP EA6B
Did you ever work on the ea-6a? I recently found out that was a real aircraft lol
Agreed. Sometimes an idea comes along that's so simple its just a no brainer. The Growler was one of them.
I don't think so. I don't remember one.
The RAAF Growlers are unique, in that they have the AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR targeting pod and additional air-to-air weapons, AIM-9X missile. The ATFLIR allows them to light up targets for our Super Hornets or F-35's to attack.
You and the Australian government do not make a "we"
Military Tech nerds unite!
Aviation nerds rise up!!!
The RAAF EA-18G's are a bit like the Australian marsupial mole. Unseen, unknown, creepy as fuck and deadly to reptiles.
like the one from topgun ?
I was on the John F Kennedy (CV-67) from 1989-1993 and I worked on the F-14D and assisted on the F-18 when we got them. The F-18 engine comes in sections and is so much easier to fix. If the afterburner fails you replace that section. One spare engine could (in theory) repair four engines. I love the F-14 and in my heart there will never be another like her. However, the F-18 is like a Corvette in the sky. Although I served for two wars, the US Navy was the best choice for a young kid starting out in life. Great video.
Imagine if you could have worked on a super tomcat instead of the f-18. The Navy lost a significant capability that it so hasn't gotten back when they got rid of the F-14. People don't realize that the later versions of the F-14 had the same radar some electronics as the F-18 but with significantly better range, speed and loiter time. It won't be until the 6th gen fa-xx program puts a new fighter on the carrier that the Navy will have that capability back. They're desperate for it with everything China is trying to do in the region.
@@sgsheff Amen on that brother. F14 all the way!!
The testament of *"The hardest hit is the one you don't see coming"*
You seen Chinese power lately Sir
@@DaveSCameron what do you mean?
I was deployed in Operation Southern Watch as an Operations Specialist ( Radarman ) aboard the USS Antietam CG 54 in the USS Carl Vinson Carrier Battle Group . The FA 18 Hornets , Super Hornets and EA 18G Growlers are awesome aircraft .
The EA-18 G’s real capabilities are actually pretty well represented in Ace Combat 7 of all things. In one of the DLC missions Unexpected Visitor, you fight waves of fighters including 3 of these fighters. The jamming capabilities are no joke.
yeah the EA-18Gs real capabilities are increasing speed of allied missiles
The EA-18 isn't in ac7 the the e and the f models are
@@jamesmcgee1566 AI Plane
Enchanter squadron, miracle workers these guys are, without them the mission could have been a bit more messier that it should be.
Then again, their jamming kinda trivialize Rage & Scream fight. But against those dishonorable bats and all their fancy tech, they deserve it.
Video game
The super hornet trio: F-18E, F-18F, and F-18G are an air force of just one model. Launched from super carriers at sea they can overpower most militaries on the planet.
Not to mention those carriers can also launch F-35Cs
E/A-18G*
Is the US Navy the second biggest Airforce in the world?
@@eddarby469 Yes, yes it is. (China may disagree, but in terms of aircraft that can be deployed anywhere on the planet & used, the USN is for second largest after the USAF.)
As of 2020, they had an authorized strength of 740 F-18 aircraft of E/F/G variants.
And because of our USN carrier task groups the world remains relatively at peace.
It's so good that even when the Navy was thinking about retiring it already, the Air Force stepped in and said "Umm we'll take them!". If they ever get to installing the General Electric's Enhanced performance engine, they will enjoy a much needed increase to 26,400lbs of power output, compared to the current 22,000lbs. "Including greater resistance to foreign object damage, reduced fuel burn rate, and potentially increased thrust of up to 20%." - "National Interest Aug 2019 article"
The USN wanted to 'retire' them because the USAF would borrow the Growlers services but not contribute to their operational budget, so now congress might (emphasis on might) now do something about the allocated budget or buy the USAF their own Growlers.
Started my 20 year career in the Navy on the Prowler and finished it on the Growler. No better aircraft out there!!!!
I watched one of those Aussie growlers roaring through Brisbane city the other day. It was very impressive. Can't wait for the Gold Coast air show next year.
That was a Super Hornet not a Growler. a sorta yearly thing during riverfire.
Just as we saw the EA-6 outlive the A-6, I suspect there's a good chance we will also see the EA-18 outlive the FA-18 in Navy service
Likely will, though it's short legs will be an issue as the Navy's NGAD is aiming for 1k+ operational range.
@@michaelinsc9724 Bring back the A-6 and you have your requirements met.
@@michaelchristensen5421 yay, long legs on a hopelessly obsolete platform.
@@michaelinsc9724 the block 3 upgrade with conformal fuel tanks will help a lot, as will the deployment of the MQ-25 Stingray which can act as an arial refueler for both Super Bugs and F-35's.
@@22steve5150 just saying the Navy was stupid in canceling the A-6F in the 90's. Yes it would be retired now but she could haul 28 500 pounders just over 1,100 nm from mother drop them and return and not hit a tanker once. Even the legacy bugs were horrible in their ranges. They would take off on the carrier, hit the tanker, do their mission with four bombs, come back and hit the tanker again just to land. The Navy crippled itself by nit having any aircraft with extended ranges. This brought the carrier to well within shore launched cruise missile attacks that she cannot avoid if she needed to launch aircraft at that country.
I'm totally down with this murder hornet iteration of the F/A18. The EA-6B has some pretty big shoes to fill and this is the aircraft for the role.
The RAAF used the super hornets as a replacement for their legendary F-111C.
I see them and the growlers operate constantly out of RAAF Amberley.
Farkin farkin australia
I climbed into the cockpit of an EA-6B Prowler at NAS Alameda. I was an electronics tech and all the goodies fascinated me until... the shop foreman kicked me out of the plane and the shop. I had Secret clearance but no need to know but I couldn't resist.
I worked on F/A-18s in the Navy. I worked on radios and I found it funny the F/A-18's TACAN was the ARN-118; I'm easily amused.
Thank you for the extensive research you do on these videos. Love seeing what you put out on all of your channels. I know it will be interesting, educational, historic and entertaining.
Small story about this aircraft for me. While stationed overseas, one of the carriers came to port where I previously worked with some of the guys onboard. I coordinated a tour for the junior guys that have never been on a ship, let alone a carrier, and tagged along to see my buddies. First time Ive ever seen a victory mark on an 18 with a lightning bolt through the running-man… identifying it as an electronic HVT kill and not a kinetic (missile/bomb) HVT kill, which was just a running man silhouette. Turns out that aricraft was an EA-18 and not just an F-18.
Research? They read reworded Wikipedia articles. There’s no research done by them.
Theres no research, he's gotten many things wrong in videos, with only simple google searches to see his mistake.
You should check out Simon whistler and his 13 some odd channels 🍻
@Joey R, Simon Whistler is awesome!🤩🤩
The most aerodynamic growler I've ever seen.
Were the others hairy and smelled like the ocean?
I wonder how good a growler of ale tastes at that altitude?
@@Gigas0101 The mind boggles 🤣🤣🤣
Bah-dum-tss!
I love how your videos always have music that perfectly accentuates the aircraft being covered.
My dad was an EWO in VQ-1 (EC-121s and EP-3Es) during Vietnam and in VAQ-33 afterwards flying in the belly of the ERA-3B. Words cannot fully capture his jealousy of EWOs who have the privilege to fly in the backseat of a Growler.
My dad served with the watchers as well in the late 80s
I've talked to aircrew that transitioned from the Prowler to the Growler, they say it's like going from a station wagon to a Ferarri.
My dad flew RF-4s and EF-10s out of Da Nang. The EF-10s were the precursor to the EA-6A in the Navy and Marine Corps.
I flew the A 4 Skyhawk during the Vietnam war and would love to fly a Growler! Except, I am way too old now!!
@@ronmartin3755 Thank you for your service, sir. I bet you still miss the Scooter a little. ;) When my dad was with VAQ-33, he had the honor of flying with Joe 'Hoser' Satrapa and Hoser used to take one of the female aviators up in A-4s and fly ACM against each other.
I happened to be in Canberra when Australia first received them. I watched in amazement as the Hornet was dancing with an F1 11 aardvark when it pulled straight up and kept climbing leaving the older one for dead! I have never seen a fighter do that before. I was/am very impressed.
I was a PC for EA-6Bs while being a part of VAQ-130 from 1993-98. Our Chief made us wipe our planes down if we were not doing flight ops. I maintained the Prowler by fueling it, servicing its oil, washing it, inspecting it, assisting the aircrew during launches and recoveries and towing it. I loved the Prowler. The EA-18G is a very, very suitable replacement. F-18 PCs told me that the 18 was the easiest bird to maintain and inspect. All computerized. The Prowler was not. The Growler can dogfight and go super sonic, the Prowler would disintegrate if it went supersonic and it is not armed for AA Combat. I am proud that the US Navy was smart enough to do this. Go Navy! I miss Whidbey.
we attended the NASWI open house a couple weeks ago - great event. They had a couple Growlers flying along with SAR, Poseidon, etc.
I did like this vid. Got nothing to do with the fact that I saw myself and the guys I work with in it. Haha. Always good to know a little bit of history.
Vaq-129 was my second squadron. We still had the ea6b though. I left when they were just starting to develop the growler.
Awesome short docs. My favorite channels. The guy talks fast but clear so I can always understand him. Good stuff. Looking forward to future videos.
No matter how stressful my life is, I just build an F-18 model, 1/32, my mind is clear.
1/72 for me. Display room is limited. 😎
@@lancerevell5979 Ok. 1/48 of an F-5...
I do mainly 1/48: doesn’t take up the space of 1/32 and don’t have the tiny parts of 1/72.😁
Michael Pipkin. Where can I buy online models to build of these jets??
As a British person, I always have to suppres a snerk at this bad boys name
I love these videos. No BS straight to the point, keep up the good work.
As an Australian. I had no idea we had aquired these.
Thats really cool.
Greatly informitive video.
Thank you.
Yes the Growlers do blend in quite well with our Super Hornets
US Navy: We'll take 6!
Australian Air Force: We'll take 6!
Boeing: FFS!
Australian Air Force: Fine. Make it 12.
@@grahambaker6664 Oops, thank you for the correction!
The RAAF also ordered 12 of their 24 F models “pre wired” for conversion to Growlers.
Those Damn engines on the EA6b were the loudest aircraft on the roof! By the time the cat officer hit the launch button my bones throughout my entire body would be rattling. From my ears to my toes it was extremely uncomfortable. Over the years if I didn’t have to stand next to the cat I would step behind the island when one came up to launch. It was a deadly aircraft that led the strike package and gave the U.S. a distinct advantage.
Great to see the progress your channels have made, another really interesting video. Thank you.
I spent my fair share of time around the F18 mostly the legacies better known as the F18 A, B, C. There's one thing I do know is that Mach 1.8 is a little bit of a pipe dream. With all that stuff hanging off the wings even with the 414's no way.
Thank you so much for making this!
So I'm still waiting to hear about the part where the growler somehow gouges eyes out of eye sockets as indicated by the video title...
Yeah I’m confused on that too?
The Growler can shut down any communication more advanced then a string and two tin cans. It's capable of blacking out cities.
EW is some truly scary shit.
Now your talking Campbell soup cans and some cotton string....right👍
@@scottgorman7166 Nylon string has a lower radar signature...
@@teebosaurusyou When I was playing with the soup cans while camping we didnt have nylon string we had the big white ball of cotton string.😎😎😎
Good to see so many veterans commenting below. THANK YOU ALL FOR SERVING YOUR COUNTRY, AND THE PEACE AND FREEDOM OF THE WORLD.
I love this channel and your voice over is a perfect fit!!!
Just for completion's sake, the RAAF is referred to here in Australia as the R double A F.
Came here to say that... so much easier RRRR double A Eff :)
You have an amazing voice. It's part of why I love watching your videos.
Good to see your videos returning to your older style. First time in months.
Your videos have the best quality
It's crazy how much ingenuity goes into developing instruments of death for orchestrated wars
War has always been the greatest method of advancing technology. But if we could devote that kind of rapid advancement into peacetime technology, Starships would be a reality.
While in recent times I agree with your assessment, I assume you enjoy not having to Heil a picture of bad mustache man? Or was that one planned too?
And yeah I agree it would be great if humanity could do that. But you see no matter how many people you get in your "peace ✌ club " there will always be someone that wants more, more money, more power, more girls, more cars, more food whatever. And those people are usually really persuasive and charismatic, and have the ability to get others to follow them with promises of MORE. And the helpless people that have spent their time, energy, and resources on art, music, and gender studies while neglecting their security will end up with no art, or music, or even food because those that want MORE will find the softest target, and with that mindset it would be whatever fictional utopia you're imagining.
Yes, pretty much since Korea all the wars have been for bullshit. But sometimes to go to war IS a noble and just thing. But for it to be noble and just it must be MORALLY RIGHT.
@@lancerevell5979 Exactly. there is 1000x more focus on weaponized aircrafts than passenger aircrafts.. it really lets you know where the priorities of governments lay. Also I’m pretty sure starships exist, we just don’t know about them bc they’re used in secrecy
Great vid, keep them coming.
Always Thanks.
Once Australia gets our total complement of F-35s these Growlers will be a great asset to them. I believe some (all?) of our Super Hornets have the Growler wiring installed so they too can be converted over to full Growlers if needed at a later date. We only got the Super Hornets because of delays in the F-35s, but they are working out great, and are far from obsolete.
David, 12 of our 24 F models are pre wired for conversion to Growlers👍
@@Smokeyr67 Sweet! A huge help to the F-35s and, I hope, the Loyal Wingman drones.
The f35’s are duds, can’t operate over water. We should have all Super hornets .
@@YaMomsOyster Funny enough the USN seem to operate the F-35C and the USMC and RAF/FAA F35B seem to operate them just fine over water.
@@YaMomsOyster any carrier based F-35s: am i a joke to you?
Love f18s they look the biz an extremely versatile...from dog fighter to electronic warfare. Always been a fave of mine..oh an the hands off stick cat launch is just cool as fuck
THIS IS AN AWESOME CHANNEL......I thank y'all.....Shoe🇺🇸
My dad is a growler maintainer at the naval test flight school and it is truly amazing!! They are still testing and finding out how strong the ecm pods are and trust me there is sooooo much more that it can do that the F35 cant. Seeing as the F35 pilot school is there too i see them all the time and hear how bad it truly is on a daily basis 😬 such a waste of taxpayer dollars. Oh and btw legacy hornets can be upgraded to growlers for cheaper than buying 1/4 of an F35 thus increasing numbers without having to wait from the factory to build new fighters and helping to sway potential buyer countries away from the F35.
Of course the EW squadron commander's name is Capt. Bonner. These things were the bane of my existence in Afgh.
Why???
God Bless America 👍
You had me at "out"
👍Great vid
If only I were in the market for a FA-18F, but alas I'm not.
Wild looking fighter !!!!
Absolutely beautiful
Thanks man
Thank you
Such a badass airframe
That's a hell of a video title. I'll admit it got me. Thought maybe it would be a laser or something. Lol. Still, very interesting. Thank you!
A-37 Dragonfly, F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet are in my Air Force...and I shall adopt the EA-18G Growler as well as the E-3 Sentry.
Oddly, the EA-18G isnt wired for Sidewinders, so the AMRAAM is the only air to air missile it can carry and fire. I was in Prowlers, VAQ-140 2003-2007, and know the community well. EA-6Bs were always the fat kids of the air wing, and because they were old jets with touchy engines, they were often G limited to 3 Gs, so it has to be exciting for the former EA-6B aircrew to fly a pointy nose jet they can pull 7 Gs with. Take off the ALQ-99 pods, and the Growler can even carry a whole bunch of AMRAAM for fleet defense, if they have to. I don't know if the Navy has drop tested air to ground ordnance on it, but logically it should be able to drop bombs, too, since it is a F model variant.
The Navy replaced the Sidewinder rails on the Growler with detection pods.
Logically yes, growler can drop bombs since their hardpoints for ordnance are still identical with the F's except for the wingtip ones. But I've never seen they drop bombs only shooting amraams though
🏆🏆🏆👍🇺🇲🙏
Thank you for sharing
Electronic attack is the often overlooked side of combat, all ingredients in the pie.
It is only overlooked by the desktop generals and admirals. :)
Awesome 👍
Just a point of clarification, but the AGM-88 is no longer the "HARM" but the AARGM, the Advanced Anti-radiation Guided Missile, as of the AGM-88E
Thanks.
I was not pleased when the Navy started shedding all the old planes A6, EA6b, F14, I believe even the Vikings for ASW are now gone all for the 18! But now with the deck full of Hornets and Super Hornets with some badass 35s I see this is the future! Less maintenance and less schools with mechanics all learning the 18 or 35 systems! And boy a fully loaded out Super Hornet flight along with the 35s is enough to scare the bejesus out of anybody! Still I'm always going to particularly miss the F14s! And Marine Corps Harriers! Worked the deck back in the day with all the old birds. Old ABH3 Crash guy!
Awesome.
Pairs up nicely with the EC-130
With all the improvements detailed. I wonder who’s side is this channel on? And so is CZcams???
Did I miss the: "Rips an Enemy's Eyes Out" part?
The growler rips out the enemies ability to see electronically.
@@rayjames6096 Ahh... thank you sir! Much obliged.
A figure of speech to mean it makes enemies' radars blind/unable to see or track attacking aircraft......
Our bird finally made it on Dark Skies!
VAQ-141, 2004-2008 EA-6Bs
I 🧡 EA-18 Growlers
This is an Aircraft that Canada can definitely benefit greatly from
I was in VAQ-33....NAS Key West......wherein I maintained the A-6 RADAR SYSTEM .
Excellent video as always. I did want to hear more about their deployment bases (other than the ships). I am not American, but I live as close neighbour to NAS Whidbey Island WA. I am closer to that base than any WA residents, except for those poor bastards on Point Roberts who were trapped by Covid restrictions.
Ok after saying "the only manned tactical jammer" you're now contractually obliged to send some love to Compass Call
Not many people realize it exists, much less notice it's fact sheet has been updated. Clearly the best kept Air Force secret.
Absolutely loved watching cocky Growler crews come back from a Red Flag mission humbled by a Red Force EC-130.
Amazing technology
Great video, just so you know for the next video with the RAAF we (Australians) call it the R ,double A, F :)
In a fight sounds like a great combination hit to the jaw.
In the video, it is actually showing a footage of SABR radar being fitted to a legacy Hornet of the USMC. not the Growler.
The best F/A 18
It looks like the RADAR jammers are powered with small wind turbines.
The Royal Australian Air Force acronym (RAAF) is spelt as "R" "Double A" "F" or pronounced as "Raff" which has been suggested a few times in various video's.
No, RAF is pronounced "raff", RAAF is pronounced "rarf"
the F-18 just . Looks . 'Mean'
Great video. However, 2:03 Super Hornet replaced F-18 Hornet from 1999 on rather than F-14 Tomcat, right?
F-18 is an awesome aircraft.
I wish you spoke more about the supercomputer inside the Vulcan gun bay
A lasar pod would be a nice addition
"Growler"
_Laughs in British_
The military proposal - "An Airplane that Rips an Enemy's Eyes out."
During it's initial operational combat testing - "Thousands of enemy soldiers crying and bleeding from empty eye sockets."
American General- "Wait... what... literary???"
Contractor Representative **smiling** how many planes do you want? We also have ear ripping variants.
I'm not quite ready to sing the Growler's praises until I see it take on a modern IADS like the ones major US adversaries already possess and are continually upgrading.
Your thinking doesn't matter.
You should look into the pitch black exercise that takes place in Darwin, Australia every 2 years.
CPT Chris Bonner sounds like a smart guy, I wonder if we're related 😂
Coincidentally, "Growler" is my code word for number 2.
The Jamming PODS have propellers. Must be it's energy source. I'm guessing this would mess up anyone's WI-FI.
Those four pods need more juice than the F/A-18G can provide, thus their built-in generators.