Two EA-18G Growler electronic warfare jets collided during an airshow at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, USA.
According to KTVB, the incident happened during a formation flight in front of spectators when one jet’s nose struck the fuselage of the other aircraft, causing both planes to lose control during the maneuver.
Despite the aircraft becoming unstable, all crew members successfully ejected using Martin-Baker Mk.14 ejection seats, designated SJU-17 in U.S. Navy service, manufactured by the British company Martin-Baker.
Since the EA-18G Growler is a two-seat aircraft, all four crew members were able to escape safely.
The accident involved two aircraft from the U.S. Navy’s VAQ-129 Vikings training squadron – tail numbers 168895 NJ-502 and 168252 NJ-540. The squadron trains pilots and crew members to operate the EA-18G Growler and its electronic warfare systems.
The EA-18G Growler is a U.S. carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft developed by Boeing from the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet.
The aircraft’s specialized equipment is primarily based on the wingtip-mounted AN/ALQ-218 tactical electronic surveillance system and the AN/ALQ-99 electronic warfare pods carried under the wings.
This system allows the crew to detect, identify, and completely jam enemy radar systems, as well as disrupt communications over long distances.
In addition, the aircraft’s systems can selectively jam enemy signals without interfering with communications used by allied forces.
For attacking enemy radar systems, the aircraft carries AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles or newer AARGM versions. These missiles home in on radar emissions.
For self-defense against airborne threats, the crew uses AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles.
The EA-18G does not have an internal 20 mm cannon because that space was used for electronic warfare equipment and avionics.
