This sheet covers the E/A-18G Shockers or Growlers from 4 units. VAQ-132 Scorpions have 2 jets included, a colourful and low vis jet. Also included are a jets from VX-9, VX-31 and the E/A-18G RAG from VAQ-129. Designed for the Hasegawa kit, but the kit requires the use of aftermarket upgrades to turn it into a Growler/Shocker.

Contents.

2 x decal sheets. The largest sheet, A5, has the majority of the colourful markings, while the smaller sheet has a lot of low vis markings and stencils.
3 x A4 colour guides.
2 x black and white stencil guides.

Markings included with this release are:
E/A-18G 166894, VAQ-132 Scorpions, March 2010. Red Scorpion tail on the tail.
E/A-18G 166858, VAQ 129 Vikings, Feb 2009. Red tail with crossed yellow thunderbolt and sword. Includes 'the Growler' head on the nose.
E/A-18G 166642, VX-31 Dust Devils CAG, Feb 2009. Low vis markings including 'the Growler' head on the nose.
E/A-18G 166895, VAQ-132 Scorpions, March 2010.
E/A-18G 166856, VX-9, Sept 2008. White tail with a vampire bat motif. Includes 'the Growler' head on the nose.

All aircraft are painted dark ghost grey [FS36320] on the upper surfaces and light ghost grey [FS36375] on the under surfaces.

The Boeing EA-18G Growler is a carrier based electronic warfare aircraft, a specialised version of the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet. The EA-18G replaced the Northop Grumman EA-6B Prowler in service with the United States Navy. The Growler's electronic warfare capability is primarily provided by Northop Grumman. The EA-18G began production in 2007 and entered operational service in late 2009.
The two colourful Growlers, 166894 and 166858 are very distinctive especially 166894 and should create a bit of interest with your fellow modellers. I am a bit confused with 166894, on the coloured instruction sheet it bears the number 540, yet it's markings are distinctly that of a CAG bird. If you look carefully at the cover image of this aircraft it bares the number 500, which indeed makes it a CAG. On the decal sheet the only number for this aircraft is 540. A bit confusing. The white tailed 166856 is from VX-9. VX-9 is the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron. As some of you will have noticed the date precedes the Growlers service entry, VX-9 put the E/A-18G through it's paces before it entered service. If colour is not your thing then Afterburner include two low vis aircraft for your delectation. 166642 of the Dust Devils is another evaluation aircraft.
There are enough stencils to do two aircraft, which is great news if you feel indecisive about which markings to go for. There are also stencils for the fuel tanks, the ALQ-99 pod and ejection seat. There are also decals representing the white squares for the inside of the exhaust cone. I really like the attention to detail such as the tiny diagram of the aircraft, perhaps some maintenance diagram that's found just by the front gear doors. Afterburner also provide information on where to find the after market upgrades needed to complete the build.

Quality of the print by Cartograf is stunning. Decals are glossy with a minimum amount of carrier film. All the written stencils are sharp and legible, even the tiniest ones. Decals are sized to the Hasegawa 1/48 kit.

Conclusions.

A considerable amount of work has gone into the research to produce this outstanding product. Another release that the folk at Afterburner Decals should be proud off. Despite the slightly odd situation with 166894 this release is a must for any modeller keen on naval aircraft or the F/A-18 and looking for something very different for their shelf flight line. If you are looking to do a E/A-18G conversion then you must consider these decals from Afterburner. Highly recommended.