Honeywell Aerospace has been selected to support the development of the US Navy’s Next-Generation Jammer Low Band (NGJ-LB) system for the EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft.
The deal is part of a $587-million engineering and manufacturing development contract awarded last year to L3Harris Technologies, the prime contractor for the NGJ-LB.
The new system is set to replace the ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System currently onboard the Growler, offering improved capabilities to disrupt, deny, and degrade enemy communications and air defenses.
NGJ-LB will incorporate software-defined architecture and active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology to better counter low-frequency electromagnetic threats.
Honeywell’s work will be carried out at its Lansdale facility in Pennsylvania. While the company’s exact role has not been disclosed, reports suggest it will produce electronic warfare hardware for the NGJ-LB.
“Honeywell’s Lansdale site has a proven history of developing, producing, and delivering reliable electronic warfare technology,” said Clayton McClain, general manager of Honeywell’s Mission Systems division.
“We’re proud to support the navy and L3Harris as they remain on the forefront of advanced technology to stay ahead of adversaries.”
About the Growler Aircraft
Developed by Boeing, the EA-18G Growler is an advanced electronic warfare aircraft based on the F/A-18 Super Hornet.
It combines a fighter jet’s agility and combat-proven design with robust systems for jamming enemy radar and communications.
The aircraft has two F414-GE-400 engines, each delivering 22,000 pounds (9,977 kg) of thrust, enough to power it to near Mach 1.6 (1,975 kilometers/1,227 miles per hour).
Designed for long-range missions, it can fly over 850 nautical miles (1,570 kilometers/978 miles) while fully loaded, thanks in part to its external fuel tanks.
In addition to its electronic warfare suite, the Growler can carry AGM-88 anti-radiation missiles to target enemy radar systems and AIM-120 AMRAAMs for air-to-air defense.
“The EA-18G Growler is the most advanced airborne electronic attack platform and is the only one in production today,” Boeing stated on its website. “The Growler provides tactical jamming and electronic protection to US military forces and allies.”
