Boeing EA-18G Growler To Get BEL Produced Cockpit Sub-Assembly

India’s Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd will deliver the indigenously produced cockpit sub-assembly for the Boeing’s EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft. Boeing delivered its first EA-18G to the US Navy earlier this month. The aircraft’s cockpit will receive floodlighting that is compatible with the onboard Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS). BEL has produced other parts for the EA-18G which include a complex-machined stowage panel for the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System connector cable, and an avionics cooling system fan test switch panel with an NVIS-compatible floodlight assembly. The BEL-made cockpit subassemblies will also be installed on Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. The initial contract was awarded to BEL in March 2011 with the option to renew annually for up to four years. Boeing has recently exercised that option and has renewed the contract for another year. “BEL continues to demonstrate its capabilities and its position as a valued partner to Boeing,” said Dennis Swanson, Vice President of International Business Development for Boeing Defense, Space & Security in India. “BEL’s work on P-8I, Super Hornets and Growlers is another example of how Indian companies are becoming a part of the global supply chain while Boeing helps them expand their opportunities across the global aerospace industry”. Headquartered in Bangalore, BEL also provides Identification Friend or Foe interrogators and Data Link II communications systems for the Indian Navy’s fleet of P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft.