NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- The EA-18G Growler, the Navy’s airborne electronic attack aircraft built to replace the EA-6B Prowler, is approved for full rate production.

Following the Department of Defense’s full rate production decision Nov. 23, the F/A-18 & EA-18G program office and industry counterparts have been authorized to procure and produce 54 EA-18G aircraft remaining in the current program of record.

The full rate production decision review, signed by Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, Ashton Carter, gave the go-ahead to fulfill the program of record for 88 aircraft.

The Office of Secretary of Defense evaluated the EA-18G program’s status, risk and readiness and determined that it is ready for full rate production.

"This positive full rate production decision allows for the EA-18G program of record to be procured while ensuring continued fleet transition from the EA-6B Prowler to the EA-18G Growler. It represents a very successful acquisition program which through robust planning, disciplined execution, and integrated evaluation, remained on time, on cost, and on schedule throughout,” said Capt. Frank Morley, F/A-18 & EA-18G deputy program manager.

“This accomplishment was absolutely critical in support of Navy, joint and coalition airborne attack capabilities now and into the future during this critical time of active combat operations. Congratulations to the thousands of program, industry, Navy and fleet professionals who contributed to this effort,” Morley said.

The EA-18G Growler is the fourth major variant of the F/A-18 family of aircraft. The Growler combines the proven F/A-18F Super Hornet platform with a sophisticated electronic warfare suite.

The first Growler test aircraft went into production in October 2004 and made its first flight in August 2006. It was delivered to the fleet at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, Wash., in June 2008. Operational testing concluded in May 2009.

This major program milestone marks the continuation of production beyond the low-rate initial production period (LRIP) of the EA-18G aircraft that began with the first LRIP authorization in July 2007.

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