Boeing and the U.S. Navy successfully flew two autonomously controlled EA-18G Growlers at Naval Air Station Patuxent River as unmanned air systems using a third Growler as a mission controller for the other two. The Growler is a two-seat airborne electronic attack aircraft variant of the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet. Over the course of four flights, 21 demonstration missions with unmanned Growlers were completed during the Navy Warfare Development Command’s annual fleet experiment (FLEX) exercises.
“This technology allows the Navy to extend the reach of sensors while keeping manned aircraft out of harm’s way,” said Tom Brandt, Boeing Manned-Unmanned Teaming demonstration lead. “It’s a force multiplier that enables a single aircrew to control multiple aircraft without greatly increasing workload. It has the potential to increase survivability as well as situational awareness.” Brandt said the demonstration will provide data that will enable technology decisions for the Navy. “It could provide synergy with other U.S. Navy unmanned systems in development across the spectrum and in other services,” he said.
Some 88 Growlers were delivered to the Navy between 2008 and 2013, replacing a fleet of aging Grumman EA-6Bs. Its “tip of the spear” missions include suppression of enemy air defenses and electronic attack.