Controlling the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Mike Gibbons
Vice President, F/A-18 and EA-18G Programs

NAVAIR Public Release SPR-2014-189

April 7, 2014
Distribution A, approved for public release, distribution is unlimited.
 The Emerging Battlespace

The Electromagnetic (EM) Spectrum

 All modern forces depend on unimpeded access to, and use of, the EM spectrum in conducting
military operations

 The dependence of military systems, equipment, and devices on the EM spectrum create
vulnerabilities and opportunities during military operations.

 A paradigm shift is required

– The EM spectrum can no longer be viewed as an enabler, but rather as a primary warfighting domain, on par with
land, sea, air and space operations.

“Future conflicts will be fought and won in the electromagnetic spectrum and
cyberspace… This environment is increasingly important to defeating threats to
access, since through it we can disrupt adversary sensors, command and control
and weapons homing.”
- Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Greenert

The electromagnetic spectrum has emerged as a critical 21st century warfighting domain
NAVAIR public release SPR-2014-189
The Advanced Growler
Spectrum Dominance
 Next Generation Jammer Increments
AESA Upgrades  Expanded Long-Range Passive RF Targeting
 AEA Mission Planning Airborne
 Cyber Attack

Advanced Cockpit
Connectivity
Conformal Fuel Tanks  Theater Asset Connectivity
 Two-Way Connectivity to National Resources
 Multi-Band Link-While-Jam
 Integrated Operations
Next Generation Jammer

Advanced Tactical
Data Link (TTNT) Cooperative Electronic Attack
 Multi-Ship Netted ES/EA
 Stand-In Jammer/UAS Control
 Force-Level Decision Aids
 Multi-ship coordination tools
ALQ-218 Upgrades

Growth
 Range , Persistence, Bring back
 Electrical Power, Weight, Volume
 Advanced Mission System Architecture
 Processing, Memory
Enhanced
Engines

Advancing and adapting to control the EM spectrum and counter future threats
NAVAIR public release SPR-2014-189
Electronic Warfare Capabilities

Tactical
Tactical Aircraft
Aircraft
Electromagnetic Threat Spectrum

Optimized
Optimized
Stealth
Stealth

Growler
EA-18G Growler
EA-18G
EA-18G
EA-18G
EA-18G

Only the Growler can adapt and counter evolving threats across the electromagnetic spectrum
The only tactical aircraft platform that will employ the Next Generation Jammer
The Growler protects the entire fleet in current and future environments

Stealth is perishable; Only a Growler provides full spectrum protection

NAVAIR public release SPR-2014-189
 2028 High Threat A2AD Environment Demands Growler

Ingress
All aspect / full spectrum
capability

Egress
All aspect / full spectrum
capability

Ingress
X-band only on Ingress

Egress
No spectrum capability

NAVAIR public release SPR-2014-189

Stealth in the Electromagnetic Environment (EME)
 All aircraft operate in the EME where stealth cannot guarantee survivability or superiority
 Stealth technologies are optimized for a limited band within the electromagnetic spectrum
– Modern threats are expanding across the EM spectrum making stealth aircraft detectible and vulnerable

 Increasing computing power, advanced sensors and evolving aircraft detection methods are
degrading the benefits of stealth
 The Growler / EM support is required for successful offensive and defensive military operations

“We appear to be reaching the limits of how much a platform’s inherent stealth can affordably get it close
enough to survey or attack adversaries.”
“It is time to consider shifting our focus from platforms that rely solely on stealth…”
- Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Greenert

“For any aircraft, however capable, however stealthy, to have a chance, it needs electronic warfare,”… “You can’t
do all of that on board.”
- Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter

“…potential adversaries will look to take away our inherent military advantages, to include the use of electronic
warfare and other countermeasures. Capabilities that can overcome these threats represent critical enablers
that we neglect at our peril.”
“…the Growler is going to play a very important role in our force for a long time to come.”
- Acting Deputy Secretary Christine Fox

Modern threats are multi-spectral and all fighters require full-spectrum protection
NAVAIR public release SPR-2014-189
 Capacity Demand for Additional Growlers
 AEA is the dominant influence on campaign duration and warfighting effectiveness

 Additional Growlers maximize strike fighter utilization

– Preventing critical strike assets from being left idle on the carrier deck

 Industry & DoD analyses show more need for Growlers

 Campaign analysis shows a need for 50-100 additional Growlers to meet joint & coalition
requirements

Increasing
Growlers
on the Deck
Im prov em ent i n
Reduced Warfi ghti ng
Duration
Effecti v eness
Reduction
Across Al l F l eet
Mi xes

The evolving threat drives the requirement for more Growlers

NAVAIR public release SPR-2014-189
Growler: A2/AD Multi-Role Flexibility

Advanced Airborne Electronic Attack

A2/AD Fused Targeting – Counter Air* A2/AD Fused Targeting – Counter Surface*

* The depicted load outs are not currently approved by the Department of the Navy.
NAVAIR public release SPR-2014-189
The EA-18G Growler

Critical to Dominate the Future Battlespace

NAVAIR public release SPR-2014-189