NFO's in the EA-18 G ???

[Purdue Jones]

I was recently talking to someone from NAVAIR and was told the E-18G which will replace the EA-6B will be coming out for tests relatively soon. How long will it be before the Navy starts assigning people out of flight school for that platform???

 

[NavyLonghorn]

I reccomend calling a meteorologist, or a Psychic Hotline.

 

[Brett327]

'Shocker' (thats for you, Brett)

Thanks, good buddy.

Here's the plan: IOC is slated for 08-09 timeframe with the RAG and first G squadron getting jets within that period. The RAG will be split site, at least initially, and studs will go to Lemoore first to learn to fly the jet, then come up to Whidbey for the tactics. The transition is going to take place over many years (6-7), so the notion of all these ECMOs scambling for G seats is kind of a myth, albeit a humorous image to ponder. The new G squadrons are still going to need CAT I pilots and ECMOs, so there will be a small number of guys who do select that out of advanced. The plan is also to not cross-pollenate between the VFA and G model communities, so we have a bunch of Prowler weapons school guys that are currently or will be going through as Rhino RAG instructors for shore tours as part of the Fleet Introduction Team. More than you ever wanted to know? So, my guess is that folks who are going to be starting flightschool within the 06 and beyond timeframe may be enjoying a little "Shocker."

Brett

 

[ea6bflyr]

Nope, they've just canceled the EA-18 and they are going to replace the EA-6B with the newest EA-6C pictured below:

Note the ECMO is the tail....he he he
ea6bflyr

 

[ea6bflyr]

Just Kidding....I was trying to find the "stretch" version of the Hornet...no luck. Here's the mock-up of the EA-18G (really just a F model with Jamming Pods).
ea6bflyr

 

[Punk]

Talking to a couple instructors around here, there are already Prowler pilots and ECMO's floating around Lemoore getting qual'd in the F. "Supposedly" the -G FRS will open in 2007.

The other rumor floating around is that the first couple batches of Growler/Shocker crews will be ex-Prowler first. They won't be taking wet-behind-the-ears fresh wingees into the platform until a good deal of the experienced to semi-experienced crews transition first.

Of course, I would take all the for a grain of salt.


PS: I already miss my HUD, even if it was a semi-POS anyways. Oh, and who's genius idea was it to stick the VSI where the pilot can't really see it. :icon_rage

 

[Brett327]

Nice, very nice. I love the pic, especially the ECMO's position.

I love that there's a guy in the football - that made me laugh.

Here's (almost) the real deal (well, at least the pods are airborne).

Brett

 

[Dawgfan]

PS: I already miss my HUD, even if it was a semi-POS anyways.

I didn't find my T-45C HUD to be very helpful during AVEWS... You're not missing much.

Oh, and who's genius idea was it to stick the VSI where the pilot can't really see it. :icon_rage

That's what ECMO 1's for! And for telling you which direction your director wants you to turn after your 3rd night trap during CQ and the boss is telling you to "FOLLOW YOUR DIRECTOR... HE'S THE GUY TO YOUR RIGHT..."

If you're in the 89A you can put the instantaneous vertical velocity on the FMS1 EADI display. I find myself chasing it though, so I usually turn it off.

 

[Dawgfan]

I love that there's a guy in the football - that made me laugh.

Ha, I didnt' see that until you pointed it out. What would be the odds of getting 13 ICS switches in the proper position for prestart check?

 

[Punk]

I didn't find my T-45C HUD to be very helpful during AVEWS... You're not missing much.

touche salesman, touche

 

[zlerner]

Note the ECMO is the tail....he he he

You owe me $34.99 for the keyboard I just spit my Coke all over. Thanks for the good laugh.

Lunchbox

 

[Brett327]

Ha, I didnt' see that until you pointed it out. What would be the odds of getting 13 ICS switches in the proper position for prestart check?

Probably better than the chances of getting 13 ECMOs with their sh!t together for a 14 man ICS check-in.

Brett

 

[ea6bflyr]

Brett,
Do you have the Photoshopped Hornet picture with multiple cockpits? I remember seeing that several years ago....Anyone....
ea6bflyr

 

[Fly Navy]

Photoshopped Hornet with an E-2C radome is a friggin riot.

 

[ElCidAv8tor05]

Does anyone know if the new Growler/"Shocker" is gonna be armed with HARMs or will it require assistance from another aircraft carrying HARMs? Every Mock-up I've seen of the G model shows it with jamming pods, spare tanks, and sidewinders, but no HARMs. Maybe just another Boeing oversight.

I kinda like the idea of a Prowler with 13 ECMOs in it. As if the pilot doesn't feel outnumbered as it is... Can you imagine trying to bring that b!tch aboard the boat? what with all that added weight (and 10 extra people screaming "holy sh!t we're gonna die!") Ahhh carrier aviation ...just gets more challenging everyday... hahah

-"Easy"

P.S. what % get the 13 ECMO "Uber-Prowler" hahaha jk