Grumman EA-6B Prowler explained

The Northrop Grumman (formerly Grumman) EA-6B Prowler is a twin-engine, four-seat, mid-wing electronic-warfare aircraft derived from the A-6 Intruder airframe. The EA-6A was the initial electronic warfare version of the A-6 used by the United States Marine Corps and United States Navy; it was used during the Vietnam War. Development on the more advanced EA-6B began in 1966. An EA-6B aircrew consisted of one pilot and three Electronic Countermeasures Officers,[1] though it was not uncommon for only two ECMOs to be used on missions. It was capable of carrying and firing anti-radiation missiles (ARMs), such as the AGM-88 HARM.

The Prowler was in service with the U.S. Armed Forces from 1971 until 2019. It carried out numerous missions for jamming enemy radar systems, and in gathering radio intelligence on those and other enemy air defense systems. From the 1998 retirement of the United States Air Force EF-111 Raven electronic warfare aircraft, the EA-6B was the only dedicated electronic warfare plane available for missions by the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Marine Corps, and the U.S. Air Force until the fielding of the Navy's EA-18G Growler in 2009. Following its last deployment in late 2014, the EA-6B was withdrawn from U.S. Navy service in June 2015, followed by the USMC in March 2019.

Development

Origins

The EA-6A "Electric Intruder" was developed for the U.S. Marine Corps during the 1960s to replace its EF-10B Skyknights and AD Skyraiders in the Electronic countermeasure (ECM) role.[2] The EA-6A was a direct conversion of the standard A-6 Intruder airframe, with two seats, equipped with electronic warfare (EW) equipment. The EA-6A first entered service in Marine Corps squadrons in December 1965, and saw action in Operation Rolling Thunder; it was used by three Marine Corps squadrons during the Vietnam War. A total of 27 EA-6As were produced, 15 of which were newly manufactured.[3] Most of these EA-6As were retired from service in the 1970s with the last few being used by the Navy with two electronic attack "aggressor" squadrons, with all examples finally retired in the 1990s.[4] The EA-6A was essentially an interim warplane until the more-advanced EA-6B could be designed and built.

The substantially redesigned and more advanced EA-6B was developed beginning in 1966 as a replacement for EKA-3B Skywarriors for the U.S. Navy. The forward fuselage was lengthened to create a rear area for a larger four-seat cockpit, and an antenna fairing was added to the tip of its vertical stabilizer.[3] Grumman was awarded a $12.7 million contract to develop an EA-6B prototype on 14 November 1966.[5] The Prowler first flew on 25 May 1968, and it entered service on aircraft carriers in July 1971.[6] Three prototype EA-6Bs were converted from A-6As, and five EA-6Bs were developmental airplanes. A total of 170 EA-6B production aircraft were manufactured from 1966 through 1991.[4]

The EA-6B Prowler was powered by two Pratt & Whitney J52 turbojet engines, and it was capable of high subsonic speeds. Due to its extensive electronic warfare operations, and the aircraft's age (produced until 1991), the EA-6B was a high-maintenance aircraft, and had undergone many frequent equipment upgrades. Although designed as an electronic warfare and command-and-control aircraft for air strike missions, the EA-6B was also capable of attacking some surface targets on its own, in particular enemy radar sites and surface-to-air missile launchers. In addition, the EA-6B was capable of gathering electronic signals intelligence.

The EA-6B Prowler was continually upgraded over the years. The first such upgrade was named "expanded capability" (EXCAP) beginning in 1973. Then came "improved capability" (ICAP) in 1976 and ICAP II in 1980. The ICAP II upgrade provided the EA-6B with the capability of firing Shrike missiles and AGM-88 HARM missiles.[4]

Advanced Capability EA-6B

The Advanced Capability EA-6B Prowler (ADVCAP) was a development program initiated to improve the flying qualities of the EA-6B and to upgrade the avionics and electronic warfare systems. The intention was to modify all EA-6Bs into the ADVCAP configuration, however the program was removed from the Fiscal Year 1995 budget due to financial pressure from competing Department of Defense acquisition programs.

The ADVCAP development program was initiated in the late 1980s and was broken into three distinct phases: Full-Scale Development (FSD), Vehicle Enhancement Program (VEP) and the Avionics Improvement Program (AIP).

FSD served primarily to evaluate the new AN/ALQ-149 Electronic Warfare System. The program utilized a slightly modified EA-6B to house the new system.

The VEP added numerous changes to the aircraft to address deficiencies with the original EA-6B flying qualities, particularly lateral-directional problems that hampered recovery from out-of-control flight. Bureau Number 158542 was used. Changes included:

The added modifications increased the aircraft gross weight approximately 2000lb and shifted the center of gravity 3% MAC aft of the baseline EA-6B. In previous models, when operating at sustained high angles of attack, fuel migration would cause additional shifts in CG with the result that the aircraft had slightly negative longitudinal static stability. Results of flight tests of the new configuration showed greatly improved flying qualities and the rearward shift of the CG had minimal impact.

The AIP prototype (bureau number 158547) represented the final ADVCAP configuration, incorporating all of the FSD and VEP modifications plus a completely new avionics suite which added multi-function displays to all crew positions, a head-up display for the pilot, and dual Global Positioning/Inertial navigation systems. The initial joint test phase between the contractor and the US Navy test pilots completed successfully with few deficiencies.

After the program was canceled, the three experimental Prowlers, BuNo 156482, 158542 and 158547, were mothballed until 1999. Over the next several years, the three aircraft were dismantled and reassembled to create a single aircraft, b/n 158542, which the Navy dubbed "FrankenProwler". It was returned to active service on 23 March 2005.[7]

Improved Capability (ICAP) III

Northrop Grumman received contracts from the U.S. Navy to deliver new electronic countermeasures gear to Prowler squadrons; the heart of each ICAP III set consists of the ALQ-218 receiver and new software that provides more precise selective-reactive radar jamming and deception and threat location. The ICAP III sets also are equipped with the Multifunction Information Distribution System (MIDS), which includes the Link 16 data link system. Northrop delivered two lots and delivered two more beginning in 2010.[8] The EA-6B Prowlers in service toward the end of its life were the ICAP III version, carrying the ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System.

Design

Designed for carrier-based and advanced base operations, the EA-6B was a fully integrated electronic warfare system combining long-range, all-weather capabilities with advanced electronic countermeasures. A forward equipment bay and pod-shaped fairing on the vertical fin housed the additional avionics equipment. It was the primary electronic warfare aircraft for the U.S Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. The EA-6B's primary mission was to support ground-attack strikes by disrupting enemy electromagnetic activity. As a secondary mission it could also gather tactical electronic intelligence within a combat zone, and another secondary mission was attacking enemy radar sites with anti-radiation missiles.

The Prowler had a crew of four, a pilot and three Electronic Countermeasures Officers (known as ECMOs).[1] The two ECMOs in the rear cockpit operated the Prowler's primary jamming equipment, while the ECMO in the front right seat handled navigation, communications, and defensive electronic countermeasures. Powered by two non-afterburning Pratt & Whitney J52-P-408A turbojet engines, it was capable of speeds of over 500knots, with a range of over 1000nmi.[9]

Design particulars included the refueling probe being asymmetrical, appearing bent to the right to improve pilot visibility over that of the A-6 Intruder. It contained an antenna near its root. The canopy had a shading of gold to protect the crew against the radio emissions that the electronic warfare equipment produces.

Operational history

The EA-6B entered service with Fleet Replacement Squadron VAQ-129 in September 1970, and Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 132 (VAQ-132) became the first operational squadron, in July 1971. This squadron began its first combat deployment to Vietnam on 11 months later, soon followed by VAQ-131 on and VAQ-134 on .[10] Two squadrons of EA-6B Prowlers flew 720 sorties during the Vietnam War in support of US Navy attack aircraft and USAF B-52 bombers.

During the 1983 invasion of Grenada, four Prowlers supported the operation from .[11]

Following the Achille Lauro hijacking, on 10 October 1985 Prowlers from provided ESM support during the interception of the EgyptAir 737 carrying four of the hijackers.[12]

Prowlers jammed Libyan radar during Operation El Dorado Canyon in April 1986. Prowlers from VAQ-135 on jammed Iranian Ground Control Intercept radars, surface-to-air missile guidance radars and communication systems during Operation Praying Mantis on 18 April 1988.

A total of 39 EA-6B Prowlers were involved in Operation Desert Storm in 1991 with 27 from six aircraft carriers and 12 from USMC bases. During 4,600 flight hours, Prowlers fired over 150 AGM-88 HARM missiles. Navy Prowlers flew 1,132 sorties and USMC flew 516 with no losses.

With the retirement of the EF-111 Raven in 1998, the EA-6B was the only dedicated aerial radar jammer aircraft of the U.S. Armed Forces, until the fielding of the Navy's EA-18G Growler in 2009. The EA-6B was flown in almost all American combat operations from 1972 until its retirement in 2019, and was frequently flown in support of the U.S. Air Force missions.

In 2001, 124 Prowlers remained, divided between twelve Navy, four Marine, and four joint Navy-Air Force "Expeditionary" squadrons. A Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) staff study recommended that the EF-111 Raven be retired to reduce the types of aircraft dedicated to the same mission, which led to an Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) program memorandum to establish 4 land based "expeditionary" Prowler squadrons to meet the needs of the Air Force.[13] From 2004 to 2014 the U.S. Air Force augmented Navy Prowler units with Electronic Warfare Officers from the 388th and 390th Electronic Combat Squadrons assigned to the 366th Operations Group at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho.[14]

Though once considered being replaced by Common Support Aircraft, that plan failed to materialize. In 2009, the Navy EA-6B Prowler community began transitioning to the EA-18G Growler, a new electronic warfare derivative of the F/A-18F Super Hornet. All but one of the active duty Navy EA-6B squadrons were based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. VAQ-136 was stationed at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, as part of Carrier Air Wing 5, the forward deployed naval forces (FDNF) air wing that embarks aboard the Japan-based . VAQ-209, the Navy Reserve's sole EA-6B squadron, was stationed at Naval Air Facility Washington, Maryland. All Marine Corps EA-6B squadrons were located at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.

In 2013, the USN planned to fly the EA-6B until 2015, while the USMC expect to phase out the Prowler in March 2019.[15] [16] The last Navy deployment was on in November 2014, with VAQ-134.[17] [18] The last Navy operational flight took place on 27 May 2015.[19] NAS Whidbey held a retirement commemoration for the EA-6B from 25 to 27 June 2015 of the EA-6B[20] culminating on the last day with the Navy's last operational EA-6B Prowler, bureau number 163890, taking off from NAS Whidbey Island.[21]

Operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria

In 2007, it was reported that the Prowler had been used in counter improvised explosive device operations in the conflict in Afghanistan for several years by jamming remote detonation devices such as garage door openers or cellular telephones.[22] Two Prowler squadrons were also based in Iraq, working with the same mission.[23] According to Chuck Pfarrer in his book SEAL Target Geronimo, an EA-6B was also used to jam Pakistani radar and assist the 2 MH-60 Black Hawk stealth helicopters and 2 Chinook helicopters raiding Osama Bin Laden's compound in Operation Neptune Spear.[24]

VMAQ-3 began flying Prowler missions against Islamic State militants over Iraq in June 2014. Once Operation Inherent Resolve began in August, VMAQ-4 took over. The Prowlers were the first Marine Corps aircraft in Syria and support strike packages, air drops, and electronic warfare requirements against militants. By January 2015, the five aircraft of VMAQ-4 had flown 800 hours during 110 sorties in support of operations in both countries, including supporting coalition airstrikes and providing EW support for Iraqi Army forces to degrade enemy systems. Marine Prowlers had not dropped munitions themselves and host nations basing them have not been revealed.[25]

In April 2016, a squadron of EA-6B Prowlers from Marine Corps Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4 (VMAQ-4), based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, was deployed to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey for operations over Syria. U.S. European Command confirmed that the deployment was expected to last through September 2016. The Center for Strategic and International Studies suggested that the Prowlers may be used to prevent Russian and Syrian air defense systems from tracking U.S. and coalition aircraft.[26]

Prowlers of VMAQ-2 completed their last operational deployment to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar in November 2018, and the squadron, the last equipped with the EA-6B, was disbanded on 8 March 2019, with its remaining two Prowlers being reallocated to museums.[27]

The Marine Corps' four members of VAMQ-2 flew the last EA-6B on its final flight on 14 March 2019 from their station at Cherry Point, North Carolina, to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.[28]

Operators

The EA-6B Prowler was operated by the U.S. Armed Forces with squadrons in the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy.

USMC squadrons

VMAQ squadrons operated the EA-6B Prowler.[29] Each of the three squadrons operated five aircraft; the squadrons were land-based, although they were capable of operating aboard U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and did so in the past.[30] [31]

In 2013, VMAQ-1 converted from an active to a training squadron as the USN stopped training on the Prowler and switched over to the Growler. The Marine Training squadron first received students for training in October 2013 and produced its first training flights in April 2014.[32]

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Dates operated Senior CommandStation
1992–2016
1977-2019
1992–2018
1981–2017

In 2008, the USMC investigated an electronic attack role for the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II to replace their Prowlers.[33] The Marines began retiring the EA-6 in 2016 and replaced them with the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Electronic Warfare (MAGTF-EW) concept, which calls for a medium to high-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle to off-load at least some of the electronic warfare mission.[34]

In November 2018, VMAQ-2 returned from performing the final deployed operations of USMC Prowlers. The Marines retired the aircraft on 8 March 2019, with some placed in storage and on static display at the Smithsonian Institution Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, Virginia and the Frontiers of Flight Museum at Dallas Love Field.[35]

USN squadrons

While in U.S. Navy service four EA-6B Prowlers were typically assigned to a Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron. These Navy Electronic Attack squadrons carried the letters VAQ (V-fixed wing, A-attack, Q-electronic); most of these squadrons were carrier-based, while others were "expeditionary" and deployed to overseas land bases.[36]

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Dates Operated Carrier air wing Station Notes
VAQ-129 Vikings 1971–2015 NAS Whidbey Island[37] Trained both Marine, Air Force, and Navy crews
in the EA-6B and the EA-18G
VAQ-130 Zappers 1975–2011 NAS Whidbey Island[38] EA-6B replaced by EA-18G
VAQ-131 Lancers 1971–2015 NAS Whidbey Island[39] EA-6B replaced by EA-18G
VAQ-132 Scorpions 1971–2009 CVW-17NAS Whidbey Island[40] EA-6B replaced by EA-18G
VAQ-133 Wizards 1971–2014NAS Whidbey Island[41] EA-6B replaced by EA-18G
VAQ-134 Garudas 1972–2015 CVW-8 NAS Whidbey Island[42] EA-6B replaced by EA-18G.[43]
VAQ-135 Black Ravens 1973–2010 NAS Whidbey Island[44] EA-6B replaced by EA-18G
VAQ-136 Gauntlets 1973–2012 NAS Whidbey Island[45] EA-6B replaced by EA-18G
VAQ-137 Rooks 1973–2012 NAS Whidbey Island[46] EA-6B replaced by EA-18G
VAQ-138 Yellow Jackets 1976–2009 N/A[47] EA-6B replaced by EA-18G
VAQ-139 Cougars 1983–2011 NAS Whidbey Island[48] EA-6B replaced by EA-18G
VAQ-140 Patriots 1985–2014NAS Whidbey Island[49] EA-6B replaced by EA-18G
VAQ-141 Shadowhawks 1987–2009Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi[50] EA-6B replaced by EA-18G
VAQ-142 Gray Wolves 1997–2015 NAS Whidbey Island[51] EA-6B replaced by EA-18G
VAQ-209 Star Warriors 1977–2013 NAS Whidbey IslandEA-6B replaced by EA-18G

Disestablished Squadrons

VAQ-128

Established as an expeditionary squadron in October 1997, utilizing the insignia and heritage of the former A-6 Intruder Fleet Replacement Squadron at NAS Whidbey Island. Disestablished in September 2004 due to budget reductions.

VAQ-309

Established as a Naval Air Reserve Force squadron at NAS Whidbey Island in 1979 with EA-6A aircraft, transitioning to the EA-6B in 1989 as part of Carrier Air Wing Reserve THIRTY (CVWR-30). Disestablished on 31 Dec 1994 following the decommissioning of CVWR-30 due to budget cuts; aircraft returned to the Regular Navy.

Notable accidents

While no Prowler has ever been lost in combat, nearly fifty of the 170 built were destroyed in various accidents as of 2013.[52] In 1998, a memorial at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island was dedicated to 44 crew members lost in EA-6B aircraft accidents.[53]

Variants

Aircraft on display

Japan

United States

References

Bibliography

External links

Notes and References

  1. Bolkcom, Christopher . 3 December 2001 . Electronic Warfare: EA-6B Aircraft Modernization and Related Issues for Congress . Library of Congress, Congressional Research Service . 4 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240206102928/https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/RL30639.html . 6 February 2024 . live . .
  2. Web site: EA-6B Prowler . 2024-04-05 . Naval History and Heritage Command - National Naval Aviation Museum . en-US.
  3. Encyclopedia: Gerald . Frawley . Grumman EA-6B Prowler . The International Directory of Military Aircraft, 2002/2003 . Aerospace Publications . 2002 . 1-875671-55-2.
  4. Encyclopedia: Paul . Eden . Grumman EA-6B Prowler . Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft . Amber Books . 2004 . 1-904687-84-9.
  5. News: EA-6B Prototype . Naugatuck Daily News . 17 November 1966 . 4.
  6. Book: The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft . Paul Eden . Soph Moeng . Amber Books Ltd . London . 2002 . 0-7607-3432-1 . 1152.
  7. News: Northwest Navigator . Brian . Harvill . VAQ-141 'FrankenProwler' rejoins the fleet . 29 April 2005 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20071124010623/http://www.northwestnavigator.com/index.php/navigator/whidbey/vaq_141_frankenprowler_rejoins_the_fleet/ . 24 November 2007.
  8. U.S. Navy Awards Northrop Grumman $125 Million Contract to Produce Fourth Lot of Airborne Electronic Attack Systems . Northrop Grumman . 29 September 2008.
  9. Web site: Standard Aircraft Characteristics: EA-6B Grumman . Navy.mil . https://web.archive.org/web/20230327002521/https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/research/histories/naval-aviation-history/naval-aircraft/current-aircraft-inventory/ea-6b-prowler.html . 27 March 2023 . live.
  10. Bowers, Peter M. United States Navy Aircraft since 1911. Annapolis, Maryland, USA: Naval Institute Press, 1990, p. 274. .
  11. Book: Grossnick, Roy A.. United States Naval Aviation, 1910-1995. 1997. Naval Historical Center, Department of the Navy. 978-0-945274-34-6. 737. en.
  12. Book: Laur, Timothy M. . Encyclopedia of modern us military weapons . Berkley Trade . July 1998 . 63–65 . 0425164373.
  13. Web site: Electronic Warfare: EA-6B Aircraft Modernization and Related Issues for Congress . congressionalresearch.com . 3 December 2001.
  14. Web site: EA-6B Prowler Bases & Squadrons . vaq136.com .
  15. News: Marines to assume EA-6B Prowler training . Sue . Book . Sun Journal . . 13 June 2013.
  16. Web site: EA-6B Prowler Pacific Coast Air Museum Navy Electronic . 6 July 2024 . Pacific Coast Air Museum . en-US.
  17. Web site: EA-6B PROWLER's FINAL PROWL . 2014-10-25 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140916121137/http://navalforce.wordpress.com/2014/06/30/ea-6b-prowlers-final-prowl/ . 16 September 2014.
  18. News: Saluting an old workhorse, the EA-6B Prowler | Our Viewpoint. Whidbey News-Times. 14 November 2014.
  19. http://news.usni.org/2015/05/28/navys-ea-6b-prowler-takes-last-active-duty-flight-before-sunset-ceremony Navy’s EA-6B Prowler Takes Last Active Duty Flight Before Sunset Ceremony
  20. http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=87942 Prowler Retires Following 45 Years of Naval Service
  21. Web site: 29 June 2015 . Northrop Grumman, US Navy Celebrate Legacy of EA-6B Prowler, Future of Their Electronic Attack Partnership . 6 July 2024 . Northrop Grumman.
  22. News: . Navy Takes Aim at Roadside Bombs . Military.com . Military Advantage . 12 June 2007.
  23. News: CNN. Planes on the prowl for roadside bombs . 13 June 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070612180932/http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/06/12/prowler.ap/index.html . 12 June 2007.
  24. "SEAL Target Geronimo: The Inside Story of the Mission to Kill Osama bin Laden". Pfarrer, Chuck. Macmillan, 8 Nov 2011.
  25. http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/military/2015/01/18/as-retirement-approaches-prowlers-still-fight/21834589/ "Marine Prowlers fight Islamic State over Iraq, Syria"
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  27. Burgess . Rick . Prowler bows out . . April 2019 . 96 . 4 . 6 . 0306-5634.
  28. Web site: Magazine . Smithsonian . Maksel . Rebecca . The Prowler Retires After 48 Years of Electronic Warfare—And No Combat Losses . 2024-07-06 . Smithsonian Magazine . en.
  29. Web site: E/A-6B Prowler . Northrop Grumman . 26 March 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070317094150/http://www.is.northropgrumman.com/products/navy_products/ea6b/ea6b.html . 17 March 2007.
  30. Web site: EA-6B Prowler . Naval Historical Center . . 1 January 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070407161253/http://www.history.navy.mil/planes/ea6.htm . 7 April 2007.
  31. Web site: EA-6B Prowler . . Intelligence Resource Program . 26 March 2007.
  32. News: Marine Training Squadron Produces Its First Prowler Crews . Burgess . Richard R. . 15 April 2014 . seapowermagazine.org . SEAPOWER Magazine . https://web.archive.org/web/20140416174913/http://www.seapowermagazine.org/stories/20140415-prowler.html . 16 April 2014 . 16 April 2014.
  33. Web site: Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Transition Plan . USMC . 15 May 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080515105218/http://www.usmc.mil/units/hqmc/pandr/Documents/Concepts/2008/PDF/CP08Ch3P4_Joint_Strike_Fighter_Transition_Plan.pdf . 15 May 2008.
  34. http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-marines-in-market-for-reaper-sized-uas-406099/ US Marines in market for Reaper-sized UAS
  35. https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2019/03/08/the-saltiest-warfighter-in-the-marine-corps-the-ea-6b-prowler-retires/
  36. Web site: EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare aircraft . USN Fact File . United States Navy . 5 February 2009 . 24 August 2015 . 12 September 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070912005148/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1100&tid=900&ct=1 . dead .
  37. Web site: VAQ-129 Vikings . United States Navy . 6 August 2008 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080805220455/http://vaq-129.ahf.nmci.navy.mil/ . 5 August 2008.
  38. Web site: History – Electronic Attack Squadron 130 . Electronic Attack Squadron 130 . United States Navy . 23 June 2012.
  39. Web site: VAQ-131 Lancers Command History . VAQ-131 Lancers . United States Navy . 1 January 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080717061754/http://vaq131.ahf.nmci.navy.mil/lancer_home_page.htm . 17 July 2008.
  40. Web site: VAQ-132 Scorpions official website . VAQ-132 Scorpions . United States Navy . 14 October 2022.
  41. Web site: VAQ-133 official website . United States Navy . 13 December 2015 . 5 July 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150705180015/http://www.vaq133.navy.mil/ . dead .
  42. Web site: VAQ-134 official website . United States Navy . 6 August 2008 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080810002627/http://vaq-134.ahf.nmci.navy.mil/ . 10 August 2008.
  43. Web site: Navy Delays Formation of Expeditionary EA-18G Squadron . BURGESS, RICHARD . 25 October 2014 . Seapowermagazine.org . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20141025103945/http://www.seapowermagazine.org/stories/20140811-vaq.html . 25 October 2014.
  44. Web site: VAQ-135 official website . United States Navy . 6 August 2008 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20081221030314/http://vaq135.ahf.nmci.navy.mil/ . 21 December 2008.
  45. Web site: Northwest Navigator . United States Navy . 3 July 2012.
  46. Web site: VAQ-137 official website . United States Navy . 6 August 2008 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20081008112518/http://vaq137.ahf.nmci.navy.mil/ . 8 October 2008.
  47. Web site: VAQ-138 official website . United States Navy . 11 April 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110220212133/http://vaq138.ahf.nmci.navy.mil/ . 20 February 2011.
  48. Web site: VAQ-139 official website. United States Navy. 6 August 2008. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20080921214012/http://vaq-139.ahf.nmci.navy.mil/. 21 September 2008.
  49. Web site: VAQ-140 official website. United States Navy. 6 August 2008. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20090301034717/http://vaq140.ahf.nmci.navy.mil/. 1 March 2009.
  50. Web site: EA-18G Growlers to replace EA-6B Prowlers . https://web.archive.org/web/20121016222319/https://www.cnic.navy.mil/Japan/NewsAndCurrentInfo/PressReleases/CNICP_A283918 . United States Navy . 18 February 2013 . 16 October 2012 . 3 February 2012.
  51. Web site: VAQ-142 official website. United States Navy. 6 August 2008. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20081010154509/http://vaq-142.ahf.nmci.navy.mil/. 10 October 2008.
  52. 49 losses from 1971 to 2013 by manual count from a list of bureau numbers with dates.
  53. News: Ed . Offley . . Memorial honors 44 EA-6B Prowler crewmen . https://web.archive.org/web/20110516211725/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-64598602.html . dead . 16 May 2011 . 28 August 1998.
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