What comprises the basic EA-18G armament configuration?

• A. Fuselage LAU-116 missile launchers, wingtip mounted ALQ-218 pods, SUU-78 centerline pylon, SUU-79 inboard/midboard wing pylons, SUU-80 outboard low drag wing pylons, BRU-32 bomb racks, ADU-773 launcher adapters
• B. LAU-127 and LAU-116 on the wings
• C. Fuselage LAU-116 launchers, wingtip ALQ-218 pods, SUU-79 centerline pylon, SUU-78 front pylons
• D. Fuselage LAU-116 missiles on nose

Answer: (D)

At the basics, the EA-18G Growler’s armament is kept intentionally simple to prioritize its electronic warfare role while still providing self-defense. The standard fit relies on nose-mounted missiles using the LAU-116 ejector racks, which carry AIM-9 Sidewinders. This keeps a compact, quick-defensive capability right where the airplane can respond to threats without adding external stores that would interfere with the EW system.

The other options introduce wing-mounted launchers, centerline or wing pylons, or various pods and racks that go beyond the basic defensive setup or are specific to other mission configurations. While those can be part of later or specialized loadouts, they aren’t part of the standard, minimal armament described here.