The EA-18G Growler carrier-based electronic warfare (EW) aircraft successfully “destroyed” the more advanced 5th generation fighter F-22 Raptor during an exercise. Conditional destruction of an aircraft for $150 million is described 19FortyFive columnist Harrison Cass.
During an exercise at Nellis Air Force Base in 2009, a U.S. Navy Growler was able to simulate hitting an F-22 with an air-to-air missile. This episode attracted special attention because the F-22, considered one of the most effective combat aircraft, was “shot down” by a 4th generation aircraft.
“The EA-18G pilot maneuvered around the F-22's blind spots using geometry and perception, then approached the target with an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile. It was a simulation of beyond-visual-range destruction,” Kass wrote.
He noted that the main advantages of the F-22 are speed, stealth and target detection range. Impact on these aspects can significantly limit the Raptor's effectiveness. In particular, the operation of the EA-18G's electronic warfare system can disrupt the F-22's sensors and lose the pilot's relevant information. Growler has the ability to detect enemy radar waves and cause interference that affects their functions.
In early February, Lockheed Martin introduced the upgraded F-22 Rartor 2.0 model. The promising aircraft could be equipped with discreet external fuel tanks and new tanks with infrared sensors.
