Description
The ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System is an external carriage Airborne Electronic Attack capability for the EA-18G Growler aircraft used against radar and communications targets for the suppression of enemy integrated air defenses.

Features
Each jammer pod contains a ram air turbine generator, two selectable transmitter modules with associated antennas and a universal exciter that is interfaced with, and controlled by, the onboard system and aircrew. The modular open architecture of the jammer system facilitates optimization of transmitters and antennas for a given frequency range and can be tailored to meet mission requirements.

The EA-18G Growler aircraft can carry up to five of the system’s tactical jamming pods, two under each wing and one under the fuselage.

Background
ALQ-99 TJS achieved initial operational capability in 1971 and was used on the EA-6B Prowler until it transitioned to the EA-18G Growler, deploying for the first time in 2010. It will eventually be replaced by the Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) system on all Growlers, but will remain in service until all increments of NGJ reach full operational capability. The ALQ-99 TJS has undergone multiple upgrades to keep the capability relevant with evolving and emerging threats.

Service
U.S. Navy

General Characteristics
Primary Function: Airborne Electronic Attack
Contractor: Multiple companies
Date Deployed: First EA-6B Prowler deployment - 1971, first deployment on EA-18G Growler - 2010