ICAP III

.....ICAP III upgrade is centered on the ALQ-218 electronic receiver suite that allows the EA-6B to more effectively jam hostile radar and communication signals. The Prowler is the Department of Defense's premier integrated airborne electronic attack system.

.....Two decades ago, Prowlers were upgraded with ICAP II capabilities, which have since been challenged by emerging technologies. The ALQ-218 receiver replaces the Prowler's ALQ-99 receiver system.

.....The new system allows selective-reactive jamming, which means it can more effectively concentrate jamming power on multiple specific radar frequencies. Previous technologies worked by attempting to jam across larger bandwidths, which dispersed the aircraft's jamming power. Its complex software algorithms can perform emitter geo-location and classification in a high-density electronic battlefield, which allows the Prowler's weapon systems to continue to scan and monitor radio frequencies during jamming operations.

.....The earlier receiver can only provide a "sector bearing" to the target emitter, which often is little more than a compass direction. Prowler aircrew can now confidently pinpoint the geo-location of any emission the new system detects,

.....Aviators using the system are reporting to the program that the ICAP III Prowler is capable of new missions, especially helping identify vessels around carrier groups - a mission defined as sea control.  The new system can distinguish commercial from military vessels, and potentially its friend-or-foe status. The Prowler could previously play only a limited reconnaissance role.

.....ICAP III's performance was highlighted during VAQ-139's air wing training exercise at Fallon, Nv., where the squadron used the system in various combat scenarios. The system's receiver accuracy allowed a 30-percent improvement in jamming effectiveness and enabled ICAP III Prowler aviators to track more target emitters. Additionally, ICAP III Prowlers were often able to detect and track aggressor aircraft before E-2C or F/A-18 combat air patrol aircraft taking part in the exercise.