As we posted below, during the afternoon on Thursday 3 May, five Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing EA-18G Growler electronic warfare jets were spotted completing their planned diversion training in the skies above Rocky including missed approaches at Rockhampton Airport.
The Growlers carried out visual landing approach training and familiarisation operations at Rockhampton Airport including missed approaches and overshoots into both Runway 15 and then later, Runway 33. The ability to land at alternate airfields is an essential part of the pilot training on the Growler aircraft.
Local plane spotters Russell P and Scott H were also on hand during the early part of the afternoon to capture some great photos as three of the Growlers, which are flown by the RAAF's Number 6 Squadron based at RAAF Base Amberley, flew from there to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) before they all made separate approaches into Rockhampton Airport.
The first three were identified as A46-302 which was flying as "Wolf 11".
A46-303 which was flying as "Wolf 21".
And A46-312 which was flying as "Wolf 31".
As posted below, then in the late afternoon, a little earlier than expected, another two Growlers also flew from Amberley to complete missed approaches onto Rocky's Runway 33. They were identified as A46-302 which was now flying as "Wolf 41" and A46-310 which was flying as "Wolf 51".
Of interest, the EA-18G Growler is an electronic attack aircraft based on the F/A-18F Super Hornet airframe, but is fitted with:
- additional avionics;
- enhanced radio frequency receivers;
- an improved communications suite; and
- ALQ radio-frequency jamming pods which enable it to jam enemy systems.
12 EA-18G Growlers will be based at RAAF Base Amberley with Number 6 Squadron and operate in conjunction with Australia's air, land and sea forces. Defence plans to achieve Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in 2018.
Sincere thanks again to all the local plane spotters and aviation enthusiasts for their messages and photos they have shared with us from Thursday! Thanks to Russell P and Scott H for sending through these awesome photos and for allowing us to share them with you!
Photos and video taken by Russell Prothero and Scott Harris ©
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