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Navy OKs increased production of Growler

The Navy has approved full-rate production of the EA-18G Growler, the next-generation electronic attack aircraft that will begin replacing the EA-6B Prowlers on carrier decks next year.

Boeing, which makes the Growlers, will ramp up production at its St. Louis plant to make about 20 aircraft per year to meet the Navy’s target of 88 total electronic attack aircraft, Boeing officials said.

The Navy’s first Growler squadron, Electronic Attack Squadron 132, known as the Scorpions, has five aircraft and is based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash. Navy officials expect it to deploy in 2010, but the carrier with which it will deploy remains unclear.

The squadron is the first of 12 operational squadrons to stand up during the next three years.

The Navy initially said the Prowlers would retire by 2012, but officials say they are now considering extending some aircraft for several years.