[RayChuang88]

The problem is that the EA-6B have exceeded the end of their airframe lives, especially since some of those planes are over 40 years old! And unlike conventional aircraft, those planes were subject to a lot of aircraft carrier landings and takeoffs, all of which are very hard on the airframe structure.

With the arrival of the EA-18G Growler, it's time to retire the EA-6B.

[DesertRhino]

That’s not the issue. Their airframe lives are not even close. We still built these into the 90s. In fact we dumped many brand new ones into the ocean to create an artificial reef or so they say.
The actual purpose was to clear the way for the A-12.
The F-35 moonpig and the super insect can’t replace the A-6.
A responsible government would have updated some electronics on those fine machines and been done.
But politicians and procurement officers have careers to think of.

[DesertRhino]

Most of the ones around today were built in the late 80s until about 91. They have been fantastically maintained and are not being retired because they are old. The industry just needs new projects. .. that’s it.

[rabidralph]

BR-64 Growler