A-6 Intruder

The A-6 Intruder was the US Navy and Marine Corps medium all-weather attack (i.e. tactical bomber) aircraft from the early 1960s through the 1990s. The Intruder airframe has proven to be versatile enough to be the basis of electronic warfare aircraft, which are also covered here.

This article covers all intruder and prowler variants that exist in the SF1 and SF2 series.

All A-6 variants share the following Avionics60.dll features:

• Ground Mapping Radar (PPI)
• Terrain Avoidance Radar (PPI)
• Internal ECM (Deceptive Jammer)

A-6A Intruder (1963-1976)Edit

The original version of the Intruder saw extensive service in the Vietnam war, and is modeled in both WoV (Flyable) and SF2V (AI only). The SF2V A-6A can be made flyable by adding a cockpit.

Services Using A-6AEdit

• USN
• USMC

SF2 Notable CapabilitiesEdit

The following entries are notable for their implementation in SF2, and due to game limitations may differ from historical capabilities.

AvionicsEdit

• Audio Only RWR
• CCIP (with mod)

Weapons and ExpendablesEdit

• 30 Chaff (no flares)
• Iron Bombs
• AGM-45 Shrike ARM
• AIM-9 Sidewinder
• MER/TER racks
• Nuclear (center pylon only)
• Fuel Tanks (all 5 pylons)

Available ModsEdit

• RAZBAM A-6 Intruder for SF1
• A-6 Superpack for SF2
• SF2V Air & Ground Expansion Pack

A-6B Intruder (1967-1973)Edit

The A-6B was a special version of the A-6A modified for SAM supression ("Iron Hand"). It had its DIANE bombing system removed in favor of electronic warfare avionics that provided more sensitive RWR and allowed for use of the AGM-78 series Standard Anti-Radar Missiles as well as the AGM-45 Shrike. The A-6B is available only as a flyable add-on aircraft in SF1 and SF2.

Services Using A-6BEdit

• USN

SF2 Notable CapabilitiesEdit

The following entries are notable for their implementation in SF2, and due to game limitations may differ from historical capabilities.

AvionicsEdit

• Vector RWR

Weapons and ExpendablesEdit

• 30 Chaff (no flares)
• Iron Bombs
• AGM-45 Shrike ARM
• AGM-78 Standard ARM
• AIM-9 Sidewinder
• MER/TER racks
• Fuel Tanks (all 5 pylons)

Available ModsEdit

• RAZBAM A-6 Intruder for SF1 (A-6B cockpit only)
• A-6 Superpack for SF2
• SF2V Air & Ground Expansion Pack

A-6E Intruder (1973-1985)Edit

The original A-6Es were converted A-6As with an integrated search and track radar as well as a better processor for the DIANE bombing system. Neither of these differences are modelled in the SF games. The biggest difference with the A-6E is the ability to employ electro-optical and infrared guided munitions, as the A-6E now provides a display showing the EO/IR seeker view when such a weapon is selected.

The A-6E is available as an AI aircraft in SF2NA, and can be made flyable by adding a cockpit.

Services Using A-6EEdit

• USN
• USMC

SF2 Notable CapabilitiesEdit

The following entries are notable for their implementation in SF2, and due to game limitations may differ from historical capabilities.

AvionicsEdit

• Vector RWR
• CCIP (with mod)
• DTV Display (Shares Radar Display)

Weapons and ExpendablesEdit

• 30 Chaff, 30 Flares
• Iron Bombs
• AGM-62 Walleye
• AGM-45 Shrike ARM
• AGM-78 Standard ARM
• AIM-9 Sidewinder
• Rockets
• MER/TER racks
• Pooter
• Nuclear (center pylon only)
• Fuel Tanks (all 5 pylons)

Available ModsEdit

• A-6 Superpack for SF2
• RAZBAM A-6 Intruder for SF1 (A-6B cockpit only)

A-6E TRAM Intruder (A-6E_79) (1978-1997)Edit

In 1979, the A-6E was upgraded with the Target Recognition and Attack Multi-Sensor (TRAM), a FLIR turret with an integrated laser designator mounted under the nose of the aircraft. Significant updates accompanied this variant, including separate radar and EO displays for the Bombardier/Navigator (BN), as well as the ability to carry the AGM-84C Harpoon anti-ship missile.

The A-6E TRAM is avialable as an AI aircraft in SF2NA (known as A-6E_79 in the Aircraft folder), and can be made flyable by adding a cockpit.

Services Using A-6E TRAMEdit

• USN
• USMC

SF2 Notable CapabilitiesEdit

The following entries are notable for their implementation in SF2, and due to game limitations may differ from historical capabilities.

AvionicsEdit

• 3-Ring RWR
• CCIP (with mod)
• Independent DTV Display

Weapons and ExpendablesEdit

• 30 Chaff, 30 Flares
• Iron Bombs
• Laser Guided Bombs
• AGM-62 Walleye
• AGM-84C Harpoon
• AGM-45 Shrike ARM
• AGM-78 Standard ARM
• AIM-9 Sidewinder
• Rockets
• MER/TER racks
• Nuclear (center pylon only)
• Fuel Tanks (all 5 pylons)

Available ModsEdit

• RAZBAM A-6 Intruder for SF1
• Operation Desert Storm for SF2
• A-6 Superpack for SF2

A-6E SWIP Intruder (A-6E_90) (1990-1997)Edit

The aging Intruder fleet underwent the Systems/Weapons Improvement Program (SWIP) in 1990, which strengthened the airframe with composite wings and added some significant avionics improvements.

The A-6E SWIP is available as part of the add-on A-6 Superpack (known as A-6E_90 in the Aircraft folder), and can be made flyable with a cockpit.

Services Using A-6E SWIPEdit

• USN

SF2 Notable CapabilitiesEdit

The following entries are notable for their implementation in SF2, and due to game limitations may differ from historical capabilities.

AvionicsEdit

• TEWS RWR
• CCIP (with mod)
• Independent DTV Display

Weapons and ExpendablesEdit

• 30 Chaff, 30 Flares
• Iron Bombs
• Laser Guided Bombs
• AGM-62 Walleye
• AGM-65 Maverick
• AGM-84C Harpoon
• AGM-84E SLAM
• AGM-45 Shrike ARM
• AGM-78 Standard ARM
• AGM-88 HARM
• AIM-9 Sidewinder
• Rockets
• MER/TER racks
• Nuclear (center pylon only)
• Fuel Tanks (all 5 pylons)

Available ModsEdit

• A-6 Superpack
• RAZBAM A-6 Intruder for SF1 (A-6E cockpit only)

EA-6A Electric Intruder (1965-1985)Edit

The EA-6A was a dedicated electronic warfare variant of the A-6, optimized for escort jamming and SAM supression. It was used by both the US Navy and Marine Corps, though primarily by the Marine Corps as the Navy soon transitioned to the EA-6B Prowler.

The EA-6B is available only as a flyable add-on aircraft.

Flown ByEdit

• USN
• USMC

SF2 Notable CapaiblitiesEdit

The following entries are notable for their implementation in SF2, and due to game limitations may differ from historical capabilities.

AvionicsEdit

• Vector RWR
• AN/ALQ-41 Noise Jammer
• AN/ALQ-51 Deceptive Jammer
• AN/ALQ-55 Noise Jammer
• AN/ALQ-76 Noise Jammer

Weapons and ExpendablesEdit

• 30 Chaff, 30 Flares
• AN/ALE-32 Chaff dispenser
• Iron Bombs
• AGM-45 Shrike
• AGM-78 Standard ARM
• Fuel Tanks (Inner Pylons)

Available ModsEdit

• RAZBAM EA-6B Prowler for SF1
• EA-6A Electric Intruder for SF2

EA-6B Prowler (SF2 Version) (1971-2015)Edit

The EA-6B Prowler has been the electronic warfare workhorse for the US Navy and Marine Corps, and until recently was also the EW platform for the US Air Force (as part of joint squadrons with the USN). The Prowler is a 4 seat variant of the Intruder airframe, and is available as an AI aircraft in SF2NA or as a flyable add-on aircraft.

Flown ByEdit

• USN
• USMC

SF2 Notable CapaiblitiesEdit

The following entries are notable for their implementation in SF2, and due to game limitations may differ from historical capabilities. The EA-6B physically modeled in SF2NA is the ICAP (Improved Capability) model, though it incorporates capabilities of the ICAP II Block 89.

AvionicsEdit

• TEWS RWR
• AN/ALQ-99 Noise Jammer

Weapons and ExpendablesEdit

• 30 Chaff, 30 Flares
• AGM-*8 Standard HARM
• Fuel Tanks (Inner Pylons)

Available ModsEdit

• RAZBAM EA-6B Prowler for SF1
• EA-6B Prowler for SF2
• EA-6B Prowler Superpack for SF2

EA-6B Prowler Variants (EA-6B Superpack)Edit

The following Prowler variants are included in the EA-6B Superpack. By default, they have the same weapons capabilities as the original 3W Prowler. However, the Superpack allows for them to be modded historically, so that the EA-6B Standard through ICAP I can only carry the ALQ-99 pods and fuel tanks, and the ICAP II and later variants are ARM capable.

EA-6B (Standard) (1971-1974)Edit

This is the original EA-6B that flew near the end of the Vietnam War. The Standard EA-6B/ALQ-99 could cover frequency bands 1/2, 4, and part of 7.

Flown ByEdit

• USN

Jammer: AN/ALQ-99Edit

Frequency Range (GHz): 0.07-0.3, 0.5-1.0, 2.5-3.8
JammerType=NOISE_JAMMER
JammerStrength=65.0
CanJamCW=FALSE
InterfereRWR=TRUE

Defensive ECM (DECM): AN/ALQ-100Edit

Frequency Range (GHz): 2.0-8.0
JammerType=DECEPTIVE_JAMMER
JammerStrength=35.0

DECM: AN/ALQ-41Edit

Frequency Range (GHz): 8.0-12.0
JammerType=DECEPTIVE_JAMMER
JammerStrength=35.0
VisualBlindArc=10,11,12,1,2
VisualRestrictedArc=3,9

Note the blind and restricted arcs: the ALQ-41 is only effective to the rear hemisphere of the aircraft.

EA-6B Expanded Capability (EXCAP) (1973-1979)Edit

This is the first upgrade of the EA-6B that provided coverage for additional frequency bands. Frequency bands covered by the ALQ-99A through ALQ-99C are 1/2, 4, 5/6,7(partial), and 8/9.

Flown ByEdit

• USN

Jammer: AN/ALQ-99AEdit

Frequency Range (GHz): 0.07-0.3, 0.5-1.0, 2.5-3.8, 4.0-11.0
JammerType=NOISE_JAMMER
JammerStrength=65.0
CanJamCW=FALSE
InterfereRWR=TRUE

DECM: AN/ALQ-100Edit

Frequency Range (GHz): 2.0-8.0
JammerType=DECEPTIVE_JAMMER
JammerStrength=35.0

DECM: AN/ALQ-41Edit

Frequency Range (GHz): 8.0-12.0
JammerType=DECEPTIVE_JAMMER
JammerStrength=35.0
VisualBlindArc=10,11,12,1,2
VisualRestrictedArc=3,9

EA-6B Improved Capability (ICAP) (1976-1986)Edit

This is the EA-6B variant on which the 3W model is based. As such, this variant has retained the EA-6B folder name, even though it is not the first variant in the series.
The ICAP was the first major upgrade to the EA-6B line, and was also the first model used by the U.S. Marine Corps (all previous versions were exclusive to the U.S. Navy).
The ICAP-I and the corresponding ALQ-99D introduced digital receivers and integrated computer controlled jamming systems, and reapportioned the Electronic Countermeasure Officer (ECMO) workload so that ECMOs 2 and 3 (the "kids in back") were responsible for tactical jamming. The work-leveling and digital integration prompted the increase in Jamming Strength to 90. Since the ALQ-99D covers bands 1/2, 4, 5/6, 7 (partial), 8, and 9/10.

Flown ByEdit

• USN
• USMC

Jammer: AN/ALQ-99DEdit

Frequency Range (GHz): 0.07-.3, 0.5-1.0, 2.5-3.8, 4.0-20.0
JammerType=NOISE_JAMMER
JammerStrength=85.0
CanJamCW=TRUE

DECM: AN/ALQ-126AEdit

Frequency Range (GHz): 2.0-12.0
JammerType=DECEPTIVE_JAMMER
JammerStrength=40.0
CanJamCW=TRUE

Note the increased capability of the ALQ-126A DECM jammer, which is a significant upgrade to the ALQ-100/ALQ-41 defensive suite. The ICAP I has no DECM “blind spot” for higher frequency threats.

EA-6B ICAP II Block 82 (1984-1993)Edit

The ICAP II series of upgrades was a major update for the EA-6B line, incorporating expanded frequency coverage as well as improved avionics and ALQ-99 processing ability. The biggest jump in capability for the ICAP II was the universal exciter which covered bands 1-9, thereby obsolescing the dedication of individual pods to bands. Additionally, band 7 was now completely covered. The increase in Jammer Strength is justified by the further reduction of ECMO workload by the TEAMS system, which significantly improves response time against known/planned threats. The ICAP II is also notable as being the first Prowler to carry an offensive weapon, as it is capable of carrying the AGM-88 HARM. The Block 82 is the first in this line.

Flown ByEdit

• USN
• USMC

Jammer: AN/ALQ-99FEdit

Frequency Range (GHz): 0.07-.3, 0.5-1.0, 2.5-20.0
JammerType=NOISE_JAMMER
JammerStrength=95.0
CanJamCW=TRUE

DECM: AN/ALQ-126BEdit

Frequency Range (GHz): 2.0-20.0
JammerType= DUAL_MODE
JammerStrength=55.0
CanJamCW=TRUE

Also note the use of the Dual Mode jammer for the ALQ-126B DECM suite. This is a significant increase in self defense capability for the Prowler. The ALQ-126B also increases the frequency response of the ALQ-126A and provides 1kW of jamming strength per band. The Jammer Strength of 55 was an educated guess based on the original “40” strength value of the ALQ-126A, but without the power data of the 126A, I have no other datapoints for interpolation. If you have any additional data, please let me know so that I can update this in a future patch.

EA-6B ICAP II Block 86/89 (1990-2010)Edit

This entry is a hybrid of ICAP II blocks, allowing for the enhancements of both blocks without requiring a separate entry. In reality, many of the EA-6Bs were Block 86/89 hybrids as well, incorporating the most important parts of the Block 89 upgrade into the Block 86 airframe. The ICAP-II Block 86/89 ALQ-99F covers the 3 band, now providing coverage over the entire threat spectrum. This version of the ALQ-99F also provides 1kW per GHz, which IMHO justifies the Jammer Strength of 120. Additionally, this version of the ALQ-99F is a "Smart Jammer", which I interpret to be dual mode in order to combat Home-On-Jam (HOJ) capable missiles.
This variant most closely models the frequency coverage and jamming strength that was provided in the original 3W EA-6B.

Flown ByEdit

• USN
• USMC

Jammer: AN/ALQ-99FEdit

Frequency Range (GHz): 0.07-20.0
JammerType=DUAL_MODE
JammerStrength=120.0
CanJamCW=TRUE

DECM: AN/ALQ-126BEdit

Frequency Range (GHz): 2.0-20.0
JammerType= DUAL_MODE
JammerStrength=55.0
CanJamCW=TRUE

EA-6B ICAP III (2003-2015)Edit

Added mostly for completeness, the major upgrades in the ICAP III were more avionics oriented and less about the ALQ-99. However, the ALQ-99 exciter was upgraded to allow faster response in jamming a particular threat frequency. As such, I arbitrarily increased the jamming power to 130 to account for this increase in performance.

Flown ByEdit

• USN
• USMC

Jammer: AN/ALQ-99FEdit

Frequency Range (GHz): 0.07-20.0
JammerType=DUAL_MODE
JammerStrength=130.0
CanJamCW=TRUE

DECM: AN/ALQ-126BEdit

Frequency Range (GHz): 2.0-20.0
JammerType= DUAL_MODE
JammerStrength=55.0
CanJamCW=TRUE

KA-6D IntruderEdit

The KA-6D is the mid-air refueling variant of the A-6A Intruder. Its attack avionics have been removed in favor of additional internal fuel storage, and a refueling basket has been added to the fuselage. While the KA-6D was technically capable of daylight bombing, it was not utilized in this role.

The KA-6D is available as an AI add-on aircraft that is flyable with a cockpit. However, the SF series does not model mid-air refueling so application of the KA-6D is limited to cosmetic use.

Flown By

• USN
• USMC

SF2 Notable CapabilitiesEdit

The following entries are notable for their implementation in SF2, and due to game limitations may differ from historical capabilities.

AvionicsEdit

• Audio Only RWR

Weapons and ExpendablesEdit

• 30 Chaff (no flares)
• Iron Bombs
• AIM-9 Sidewinder
• MER/TER racks
• Fuel Tanks (all 5 pylons)

Available ModsEdit

• KA-6D Refueling Intruder for SF2

Third Party A-6 ModsEdit

This section covers A-6 mods (freeware and commercial) for use in both the SF1 and SF2 series games. In order to differentiate between freeware and commercial products at a glance, commercial products will list their developer/publisher in front of their title, whereas freeware products will have their author(s) listed following their title.

RAZBAM A-6 Intruder for SF1Edit

The RAZBAM A-6 Package contains the A-6A, A-6B, and A-6E TRAM for the Strike Fighters 1 series. The 3D models and cockpits are outstanding, and can plug right into any of the SF1 series games with no additional modification required.

Installing RAZBAM A-6 in SF2Edit

Installing to SF2 may require some tweaks to the datafiles in order to conform to the newer avionics and flight dynamics, but the A-6 package is nevertheless compatible with the SF2 series of games. A popular SF2 option for owners of SF2V and SF2NA is to install the RAZBAM A-6 package to a temporary folder, then copy the RAZBAM cockpits over to the existing stock A-6A, A-6E, and A-6E_79 models using the following correlation:

• RAZBAM A-6A cockpit --> A-6A folder
• RAZBAM A-6B cockpit --> A-6E folder
• RAZBAM A-6E cockpit --> A-6E_79 folder

Rationale for this is the RAZBAM A-6E cockpit is actually a TRAM cockpit, which differs greatly from the cockpit in the pre-TRAM A-6E. Most pre-TRAM A-6Es are converted A-6As, and the pre-TRAM A-6E maintains the pilot-side radar display removed in the TRAM. However, since the A-6E had a vector RWR, an A-6 cockpit with a visible display is important. Therefore, the A-6B cockpit best matches the looks and functionality of the pre-TRAM A-6E.

RAZBAM EA-6B Prowler for SF1Edit

The RAZBAM EA-6B Package contains the EA-6B Prowler (ICAP II) as well as the EA-6A Electric Intruder. This can be installed directly to SF1 series games to make both aircraft flyable without modification.

Installing RAZBAM EA-6B in SF2Edit

Installing to SF2 may require some tweaks to the datafiles in order to conform to the newer avionics and flight dynamics, but the EA-6B package is nevertheless compatible with the SF2 series of games. A popular SF2 option for owners of SF2NA is to install the RAZBAM EA-6B package to a temporary folder, then copy the RAZBAM EA-6B cockpits over to the existing stock EA-6B model. Likewise, the RAZBAM cockpits can be used with the third party freeware EA-6A and EA-6B SF2 models already available.

A-6 Superpack for SF2Edit

The A-6 Superpack by Home Fries is primarily an enhancement of the stock A-6s available in SF2V and SF2NA. The enhancements include skins, decals, and avionics/data tweaks to include RWR modifications, weapons capabilities, and an enhanced version of MigBuster's CCIP mod made compatible with the March/April 2012 patch. In addition, the superpack adds the A-6B and A-6E SWIP, which use the stock A-6A and A-6E_79 models respectively.

In its current iteration, the superpack does not include any A-6 cockpits to make the aircraft flyable. However, the structure is in place to insert almost any cockpit with minimal data edits. The author recommends the use of the RAZBAM A-6 cockpits with the superpack using the following correlation:

• RAZBAM A-6A cockpit --> A-6A folder
• RAZBAM A-6B cockpit --> A-6B folder
• RAZBAM A-6B cockpit --> A-6E folder
• RAZBAM A-6E cockpit --> A-6E_79 folder
• RAZBAM A-6E cockpit --> A-6E_90 folder

EA-6B Superpack for SF2Edit

The EA-6B Superpack by Home Fries takes the stock EA-6B to a new level by modeling six separate variants of the EA-6B Prowler. Details include the ECM capabilities described previously in this article, as well as separate skins and period squadron decals for each VAQ/VMAQ squadron.

As with the A-6 Superpack, the EA-6B requires separately acquired cockpits in order to make the Prowlers flyable. While the A-6 cockpits can be used, the author recommends the use of the RAZBAM EA-6 cockpits with the superpack using the following corelation:

• RAZBAM EA-6A cockpit --> EA-6B_71, EA-6B_73 folders
• RAZBAM EA-6B cockpit --> EA-6B, EA-6B_82, EA-6B_86,EA-6B_98 folders

The EA-6B Superpack requires the A-6 Superpack 1.51 or later.

Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam Air & Ground War Expansion PackEdit

The Strike Fighters 2 Vietnam Air & Ground War Expansion Pack (SF2V AGXP) by eburger68 and malibu43 is a total conversion of SF2V that includes flyable versions of the A-6A and A-6B with custom skins and an A-6A cockpit. The A-6A cockpit can be used for the A-6E and TRAM variants as well, as it is functionally similar to the RAZBAM cockpits.

The existing A-6A cockpit files can be copied and pasted (do not allow overwrites) into the proper folders in the A-6 Superpack to make all of the A-6 variants flyable.

Operation Desert Storm for SF2Edit

Operation Desert Storm (ODS) by eburger68 is a total conversion of SF2E that includes a flyable version of the A-6E TRAM with a custom model for those who don't have SF2NA. The TRAM cockpit in ODS is functionally identical to the A-6A cockpit in the SF2V AGXP, though with new textures for the BN side of the cockpit to represent the EO display.

The existing TRAM cockpit files can be copied and pasted (do not allow overwrites) into the proper folders in the A-6 Superpack to make all of the A-6 variants flyable.

EA-6A Electric Intruder for SF2Edit

The EA-6A Electric Intruder for SF2 by The Intruders is a SF2 conversion of the original EA-6A Electric Intruder for SF1, and must be installed over the original package. The package enhances the cockpit functionality, avionics, and datafiles, and adds five skins to the inventory.

EA-6A Electric Intruder for SF1Edit

The EA-6A Electric Intruder for SF1 can be found at Combat Ace.

EA-6B Prowler for SF2Edit

The EA-6B Prowler for SF2 by Hawker/Agemmenon & 331KillerBee is a modification of the original EA-6B Prowler for SF2 by 331KillerBee, and requires that the original Prowler be installed first. This version is intended as an ICAP II model EA-6B, and should coexist with the stock EA-6B from SF2NA (which is modeled as an ICAP I).

This cockpit uses the A-6A cockpit from the original EA-6B by 331KillerBee, which is compatible with any A-6 model on this page.

KA-6D Refueling Intruder for SF2Edit

The KA-6D Refueling Intruder for SF2 by The Intruders is a SF2 conversion of the original KA-6D pack for SF1, and must be installed over the original package. It contains updated avionics, cockpit functionality, and datafile tweaks to incorprate the enhancements to the SF2 engine.

KA-6D Refueling Intruder for SF1Edit

The KA-6D Refueling Intruder for SF1 can be found at Combat Ace