EA-18G Growler Egg Plane AFV Club Q009

Plastic model airplane to assemble: EA-18G Growler Egg Plane AFV Club Q009

The EA-18G Growler Egg Plane AFV Club Q009 model kit is a unique proposition for modeling enthusiasts who appreciate not only precision craftsmanship but also a humorous, cartoonish style. This plastic model depicts the American electronic warfare aircraft EA-18G Growler in an unusual, fun "egg plane" form, making it a perfect addition to any collection.

Model features:

• Style: Cartoonish (egg plane)
• Manufacturer: AFV Club
• Catalog number: Q009

About the EA-18G Growler: The EA-18G Growler is an American electronic warfare aircraft developed based on the F/A-18F Super Hornet carrier-based fighter by Boeing. It is a twin-engine, two-seat aircraft in a mid-wing configuration, primarily designed for electronic warfare (EW) and conducting SEAD missions aimed at breaking through enemy air defenses. This aircraft is used by the US Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. The main task of the EA-18G Growler is electronic warfare, including jamming enemy radio and radar communications. This aircraft plays a crucial role in SEAD missions, eliminating enemy air defense systems and ensuring the safety of operational air units.

Work on the EA-18G Growler began in 2004, and the prototype was first flown in August 2006. Serial production started in 2007. The concept of creating an electronic warfare aircraft based on the F/A-18F Super Hornet emerged in the late 1990s when the US Navy was looking for a successor to the aging EA-6B Prowler aircraft. The choice of an existing design allowed for fleet unification and reduced program costs.

The EA-18G Growler is over 90% identical to the F/A-18F Super Hornet. It is equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems, such as the ALQ-218(V)2 and AN/ALQ-99 pods, which enable radio jamming and intercepting and disrupting radar waves. The aircraft also features satellite communication systems (SATCOM), a tactical communication system (Link 16), and the Raytheon AN/APG-79 onboard radar with an active electronically scanned array (AESA). The EA-18G Growler is armed with air-to-air AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles and AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles. Unlike the F/A-18E/F, Growlers do not have onboard cannons, allowing for the installation of additional electronic warfare systems.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. To assemble, separately sold modeling tools are needed (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.