Following their earlier Super Hornet one & two-seaters in 48th scale, Meng has done the sensible thing and introduced a two-seat EA-18G "Growler" Electronic Warfare aircraft kit. Due in December, we have some detail of the kit & the real thing in our preview...
Preview: Meng's new 48th scale EA-18G "Growler" Electronic Warfare Attack Aircraft
Boeing EA-18G "Growler" Electronic Warfare Attack Aircraft
From Meng Models
1/48th scale
Kit No #LS-014
Expected Release: December 2021
The EA-18G Growler is the most advanced airborne electronic attack (AEA) platform and is the only one in production today. A variant of the combat-proven F/A-18F Super Hornet, the Growler provides tactical jamming and electronic protection to U.S. military forces and allies around the world.
Industry and the U.S. Navy continue to invest in advanced Growler capabilities to ensure it continues to protect all strike aircraft during high-threat missions for decades to come.
The EA-18G Growler is the U.S. Navy replacement for the EA-6B Prowler. In June 2014, Boeing was awarded a contract for 12 Growlers to be acquired by the Royal Australian Air Force under a Foreign Military Sales agreement with the U.S. Navy.
Australia is the first country to be offered this level of AEA technology by the United States, which will give the RAAF unmatched electronic awareness and attack capabilities. Australia is the first country ever to be offered this level of Airborne Electronic Attack technology by the United States.
EA-18G Growler Quick Facts
- Provides critical electronic intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) data to other joint force aircraft
- Brings fighter aircraft speed and maneuverability to an electronic attack aircraft
- The ability to self protect against adversarial aircraft using its AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles
- Enhanced radar image resolution, targeting and tracking range through its APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system
- Uninterrupted radio communications in a heavily jammed environment using its Interference Cancellation System
- Unequaled aircrew situational awareness and head-up control of aircraft targeting systems and sensors using its Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System
- The ability to locate, record, playback and digitally jam enemy communications over a broad frequency range using its ALQ-227 Communications Countermeasures Set
- Provides advanced survivability and electronic protection for ground, air and maritime combat forces
- High reliability and lower operating costs
MENG's latest product LS-014 Boeing EA-18G "Growler" Electronic Warfare Attack Aircraft is a development of their earlier F-18E & F-18F Super Hornets released this year. After completion, the kit has a total length of 378 mm and a width of 285 mm. It includes pre-cut precision metal etching sheets, masking stickers and three marking choices included in the box.
The kit faithfully restores the ALQ-99 high/low-frequency electronic jamming pod, ALQ-218(V)2 tactical receiver and electronic warfare antenna. The main pylon has a special plug-in design, which can replace the electronic cabin or the auxiliary fuel tank, and comes with AGM -88 "HARM" high-speed anti-radiation missile. Let us take a look at the specific details of the kit.
With advanced electronic countermeasure equipment and excellent combat performance, the EA-18G "Growler" deserves the title of the most powerful electronic attack aircraft today. Now you can make a model of this fighter by yourself.
■ The kit contains the ALQ-99 high/low-frequency electronic jamming pod, ALQ-218(V)2 tactical receiver, and AGM-88 "HARM" high-speed anti-radiation missile.
■ The shape of various electronic warfare antennas & fins on the surface of the fuselage is realistic.
■ The details on both sides of the newly opened front fuselage are vividly portrayed.
■ The folding wings can be folded up or down.
■ The flaps and slats can be selected in different retractable states, and the horizontal tail and rudder are positionable.
■ The kit accurately restores the two-seater cockpit layout and in-cabin facilities and contains two U.S. Navy pilots. The outfits are exquisitely portrayed and the characters are lifelike. There are two flight helmets to choose from.
■ The main pylon has specially added a plug-in design, which can replace the electronic cabin or auxiliary fuel tank, and the AGM-88 "Hamm" high-speed anti-radiation missile.
This is the box art version of this aircraft, We assume that this is one of the kit's markings :-) EA-18G of VAQ-132 "Scorpions" sits under the rework barns at NAS North Island.
You can see more info on this kit and others from Meng on the Meng Models Website...