Navy receives Growler aircraft

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ST. LOUIS, March 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has received from Boeing the first aircraft under a multi-year procurement contract meant to cut purchase costs.

The aircraft delivered was an EA-18G Growler, which is based at U.S. Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington state.

The Boeing EA-18G Growler delivers full-spectrum airborne electronic attack capability with the targeting and self-defense capabilities derived from the F/A-18E/F Block II Super Hornet.

The United States was purchasing 58 of the aircraft under the multi-year contract as well as 66 F/A-18E/Fs. It modified the 2010 contract, however, to acquire 24 more F/A-18s.

Through the Multiple-year Procurement III contract, the Navy expects to save more than $605 million in the procurement of the aircraft.

"This program continues to successfully draw on efficiencies from across Boeing to reduce cost, while increasing capability for the men and women who serve this nation around the globe," said Mike Gibbons, Boeing F/A-18 and EA-18 Programs vice president.

"Today's new Super Hornets provide unequaled air dominance and precision strike capability for the U.S. Navy carrier fleet. At the same time, the EA-18G continues to expand its dominance as the world's premier airborne electronic attack aircraft …"

A total of 210 Super Hornets were delivered to the Navy under MYP I, which spanned fiscal years 2000-04. MYP II (2005-09) included 213 F/A-18E/F and EA-18Gs.