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Great news. Is this aircraft a true Growler? The way I've read in magainzes that the EA-18G at Pax are F-models with G-model stuff.

Chappie

This almost certainly is either EA-1 or EA-2. I think G-1 is still under construction, not that there is really that much difference. Paperwork and acquisition technicalities.

Both EA-1 and EA-2 went to Pax River after a few test flights out of St Louis. Then EA-1 went to China Lake a few weeks ago.

Darwin

Edited by yardbird78
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This almost certainly is either EA-1 or EA-2. I think G-1 is still under construction, not that there is really that much difference. Paperwork and acquisition technicalities.

Both EA-1 and EA-2 went to Pax River after a few test flights out of St Louis. Then EA-1 went to China Lake a few weeks ago.

Darwin

It was EA-2; it went by Whidbey prior to flying back to Pax from the "Lake". It's back in our hangar now.

Technically, it is an "F" model for logistics purposes (the TMS on the aft fuselage above the BuNo says F/A-18F), but functionally it is a "G" model. Has to do with spare parts and contracts.

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I still think they should have went with "Howler" instead ...

Prowler + Hornet = Howler ...

Gregg

Hopefully, the name Shocker that Karl is using will catch on. I thought Boeing should have stayed with the insect theme- my idea was Yellowjacket.

Chappie

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Hopefully, the name Shocker that Karl is using will catch on. I thought Boeing should have stayed with the insect theme- my idea was Yellowjacket.

Chappie

I've seen a couple of the VX-9 guys visiting here with "Shocker" patches on the flight suits. I can't say that I'm really fond of that name, either, but it's loads better than the official one...I think I'll just stick with calling it "the 'G'", at least around the office!

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Was "Growler" chosen because of the Naval precedent of having subs named Growler or something ? Karl has a whole campaign going, bumper stickers, hats, t-shirts, potholders, etc for the Shocker name ...

"I flush a growler every night and then I Shocker !"

Gregg

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Was "Growler" chosen because of the Naval precedent of having subs named Growler or something ? Karl has a whole campaign going, bumper stickers, hats, t-shirts, potholders, etc for the Shocker name ...

"I flush a growler every night and then I Shocker !"

Gregg

No - in an insight into the intellect of the people in senior leadership positions, it was "G"+"Prowler", without the common sense to realize what a Growler was (and as bad as it is in American slang, it's even zestier in British slang).

In a testament to our senior leaderships disingenuousness and duplicity, when word got out in the Navy Times that the VAQ community DESPISED the name, supposedly we were given the chance to pick another one. Questionnaires circulated the base. A few not-lame "original" names came out, and a few great historic names of aircraft past came out of retirement. All suggestions promptly ignored by our inspired senior leadership (though really, we Prowler folks should be flattered they took time out from kissing each others' backsides to even pretend to be interested in anything other than themselves).

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Sure, maybe the new airframe may be better, save time and tax payer money by standardizing the platform, and it may perform better, but think about how boring an aircraft carrier model is going to look now! :( And THAT's what really counts!

Look, it's a f-18 there.....and oh theres one there...and another there......and sheesh.....

Bill

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I had to be division lead today for our weps flight in T-2s, and our tac call sign was Shocker. I think I heard Mobile Approach laughing over the radio when we checked in. The best was explaining it to the German instructor in our formation, and then passing the hand shocker in lieu of the thumbs up.

If you're not having fun, you're not doing it right.

Mike

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I like the name Patrick or Bob...........The F-18G Bob. Or Robert when crewed by persons above the rank of Lt Commander. :thumbsup:

Personally, I like Clarence for a name.

This might be a slightly dumb question, but will the -18G be an offensive SEAD weapon? According to the Boeing website, it will serve as a standoff jammer etc. but will it carrying ARM's and CBU's to get down in the mud and do Weasel work like the F-4G and F-105G?

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Well, I've seen Boeing promo photos with HARMs onboard at least ...

I suppose we have a "AHARM" in the pipeline ... maybe ... hopefully ...

could be ... wishful thinking ...

Gregg

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