Although the 'death of the Prowler' could result in the loss of Marine Corps airborne electronic warfare capability, it might also open the door to its first multimission V/STOL capability. The Marine Corps is in danger of losing its only airborne electronic warfare capability. The EA-6B Prowler is an expensive platform which is nearing the end of its production life. Although the Navy is exploring options for a replacement aircraft, there are several concerns that the Marine Corps must consider. Production requirements have fallen short of Navy/Marine Corps requirements. This may lead to severe logistical support shortfalls, as well as an inability for the Navy to cover all of its aircraft carrier commitments. As support deteriorates, so does mission readiness capability. This affects the Marine Corps' ability to provide quality electronic warfare support to the MAGTF. As Marines are required to fill gaps with carrier deployments, pulling its EA-6B assets away from the ACE degrades MAGTF capability. The Navy is considering a multimission platform as a candidate replacement. This platform exceeds Marine Corps system requirements, but does not address its requirement for timely and flexible response through full integration of the ACE and GCE afloat. Adequate full integration capability can only be achieved through V/STOL technology. Both the helicopter and the MV-22 Osprey provide the essential flexibility needed to support the MAGTF at sea, but of these alternatives, only the MV-22 has the performance capability to support the ACE in over-the-horizon assault capability. If the Navy elects to pursue an aircraft that is not compatible with Marine Corps requirements, the Marine Corps must meet its requirements as efficiently as possible through the pursuit of a multimission V/STOL platform.


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    Embedded training in airborne electronic warfare

    Olson, R.L. | Tema Archive | 1986


    Trends in Airborne Electronic Warfare: A European Perspective

    Baratault, P. / Advisory Group for Aerospace Research and Development | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1997