In preparation for Fleet Battle Exercise Juliet (FBE-J), Black Raven 503, of Electronic Attack Squadron 135 (VAQ-135), arrived at NAVAIR Point Mugu ready to demonstrate the platforms capability as a battlespace manager. The aircrew would be utilizing the aircraft’s systems to integrate multiple electronic surveillance reports from internal and external sensors in order to identify, localize and reduce the area of uncertainty of mobile surface-to-air missile threats. Strike assets would then be tasked to neutralize the mobile threats utilizing data supplied from the EA-6B and suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) element commander. To make this all happen, the EA-6B would be utilizing a number of new systems to help it accomplish several firsts for the platform.

During FBE-J, the EA-6B showcased its new data link capability with an F/A-18. In order to digitally communicate with other platforms such as the F-16, EP-3 and RC-135 Rivet Joint, the EA-6B legacy data-link capability uses an improved data modem (IDM) and particular protocol. Now, the EA-6B IDM has been upgraded to incorporate an additional protocol for compatibility with the digital communication system being installed in the F/A-18. Adding this new capability will only serve to help the EA-6B provide the fleet with a more effective product.

VAQ-135 also demonstrated the advantages of the new pen tablet computers that will be installed in the cockpit. A Fujitsu model LT-P600 pen tablet, or “PenTab,” proved to be a powerful upgrade over the much larger and slower legacy laptop previously installed in the aircraft, according to LCDR Scott Herzog, EA-6B military Integrated Process Team (IPT) lead.

Modified by NAVAIR Aircraft Division for sunlight readability and night vision device compatibility, the pen tablet provides a variety of features, such as the MIL-STD-1553, RS-232, Ethernet LAN and audio interfaces to the onboard avionic systems. With the ability to use multiple applications simultaneously, such as a moving map using Falcon View software, the pen tablet gives the warfighter the flexibility, agility and situational awareness vital to the EA-6B SEAD and destruction of enemy air defense (DEAD) mission.

Additionally, VAQ-135 tested the EA-6B Tactical Information and Report Management System (ETIRMS) in flight. ETIRMS, located in the cockpit, provides aircrew with the location, analysis and tactical jamming information of threats all over the world. Developed by the NAVAIR Point Mugu EA-6B IPT, ETIRMS is currently compatible with current fleet releases of portable flight planning software and is scheduled to become a planning component available to all mission planners on the Joint Mission Planning System framework.

Over the course of the week, VAQ-135 flew several missions testing the platform’s new and existing systems to their fullest. By the end of the week, there was no doubt as to, “the effectiveness of the upgrades and the advantages they will bring the fleet,” said Herzog.

In the coming years, the Prowler fleet will be modernized and upgraded to keep the aircraft and its systems abreast of evolving threats and to maintain aircraft safety.