Mary-Louise Hoffman
Boeing and the U.S. Navy have integrated new data-sharing and target detection systems into a company-built electronic attack aircraft during the military branch’s recent fleet experimentation activity.
The EA-18G Growler used in the demonstration employs an open architecture, a targeting processor, high-bandwidth data link and a Windows tablet for aircrew, Boeing said Tuesday.
The updated platform will work to help military users detect targets over a long distance and exchange intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data, the company noted.
“This long-range targeting technology is essential as we advance electronic attack capabilities for the conflicts of today and tomorrow,” said Dan Gillian, vice president of Boeing’s F/A-18 and EA-18G programs.
Boeing has added a tablet device to the Growler’s mission system in an effort to help Navy aircrew access data faster and communicate with pilots in other aircraft.
The company says it will update the targeting system of all Navy Growlers currently in service and include the technology as a standard feature on new Growler planes.
