Honeywell Aerospace has been tapped to contribute to the US Navy’s Next-Generation Jammer Low Band (NGJ-LB) system, designed for the EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft. This selection comes as part of a comprehensive $587-million engineering and manufacturing development contract that was awarded to L3Harris Technologies, serving as the prime contractor for the NGJ-LB system last year.
The NGJ-LB is set to replace the existing ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System currently deployed on the Growler. This new system will enhance the aircraft’s ability to disrupt, deny, and degrade enemy communications and air defenses, making it a critical advancement in electronic warfare capabilities. The upgraded system will integrate a software-defined architecture along with active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology, tailored specifically to counter low-frequency electromagnetic threats.
Honeywell’s work on this project will be executed at its Lansdale facility in Pennsylvania. While details surrounding Honeywell’s specific role in the project remain undisclosed, reports indicate that the company will primarily produce electronic warfare hardware for the NGJ-LB. Clayton McClain, general manager of Honeywell’s Mission Systems division, expressed pride in the company’s legacy of reliability in electronic warfare technology, noting their commitment to supporting both the Navy and L3Harris in maintaining a technological edge over adversaries.
The EA-18G Growler itself, developed by Boeing, is regarded as one of the most advanced electronic warfare aircraft globally. Built on the proven foundation of the F/A-18 Super Hornet, the Growler combines the agility and combat capabilities of a fighter jet with specialized systems intended for jamming enemy radar and communications systems.
Equipped with two F414-GE-400 engines, the Growler can achieve thrust levels of 22,000 pounds (approximately 9,977 kg), enabling it to reach speeds of nearly Mach 1.6 (1,975 kilometers, or 1,227 miles per hour). Designed for long-range operations, the aircraft can cover over 850 nautical miles (1,570 kilometers or 978 miles) while fully loaded, aided by external fuel tanks that enhance its operational capabilities.
Beyond its sophisticated electronic warfare suite, the Growler is also armed with AGM-88 anti-radiation missiles, which target enemy radar systems, and AIM-120 AMRAAMs for effective air-to-air defense. Boeing has underscored the Growler’s unique position as the sole advanced airborne electronic attack platform in production today, emphasizing its critical role in providing tactical jamming and electronic protection to US military forces and their allies.
