Hobby Master HA5003 | Grumman EA-6B Prowler 159909, VAQ-135 "Black Ravens" USS Nimitz, 1978

General Background:

Based on the A-6 Intruder the Northrop Grumman (formerly Grumman) EA-6B Prowler primary
mission is to support strike aircraft and ground forces by interrupting enemy electronics and
gathering tactical intelligence. The aircraft carries 4-crew and is in service with the USN and
USMC. The first USN EA-6B was retired on June 10, 2011 and the last carrier deployment by an
EA-6B took place on November 14, 2014. The USN will replace the EA-6B with the Boeing
EA-18G Growler. The USMC will continue using the EA-6B until 2019.

The Aircraft:

VAQ-135 “Black Ravens” was established on May 5, 1969 stationed at NAS Alamdeda. Equipped
with the Douglas EKA-3B Skywarrior their task was to provide electronic warfare and aerial
refueling. In 1973 VAQ-135 moved to NAS Whidbey Island and re-equipped with the Grumman EA-6B Prowler. From November 1977 to July 1978 VAQ-135 deployed aboard the USS Nimitz in the Mediterranean. In the early 1980s Prowler 159909 C/N P-56 made the first of several moves and went to VMAQ-2 “Playboys”. In November 2010 VAQ-135 traded their EA-6Bs for theEA-18G Growler.

Specifications for the Northrop Grumman Corp. EA-6B Prowler

Role – Electronic Attack

First Flight – May 25, 1968

Operationally Ready – July 1971

Crew: 4 x (Pilot and 3 Electronic Countermeasures Officers)

Dimensions
Length - 59 feet 10 inches  (17.7 m)
Height - 16 feet 8 inches  (4.9 m)
Wingspan - 53 feet  (15.9 m)

Weight
Empty - 31,160 lbs  (14,134 kg)
Maximum Take Off - 61,500 pounds  (27,450 kg)

Performance
Speed
Cruise - 418 kts / 481 mph  (775 km/h)
Maximum - 566 kts / 651 mph  (1,049 km/h)
Rate of Climb - 12,900 ft/min  (65.53 m/s)
Service Ceiling - 37,600 ft  (11,460 m)
Range - 1,000+ nm /1,150+ miles  (1,840+ km)

Weapons
Armament/Weapons
4 x AGM-88 HARM
5 x AN/ALQ-99 Low Band Jamming Po