US Air Force receives new electronic warfare aircraft based on Gulfstream G550

The design story of the EA-37B began when L3 Technologies received a contract from the U.S. Air Force in September 2017. The goal was to create a lighter, more versatile aircraft using existing Gulfstream G550 technology while maintaining much of its predecessor's systems.

As reported by Air & Space Forces Magazine, "The jet is expected to maintain up to 70% of the mission-related systems that the EC-130H already used." Development continued over several years with significant modifications made by L3Harris.

Italy will become the first foreign operator after receiving approval from the U.S. State Department for a $680 million sale of two Electronic Attack mission systems. These will convert standard Gulfstream G550 models into electronic warfare-configured jets.

In terms of specifications, each EA-37B can carry up to nine crew members and has a maximum takeoff weight of 98,000 pounds with a range extending up to 4,410 miles.