Northrop Grumman has completed the modification of the first EA-6B into the new Capability-III command-and-control version. It will fly (along with a second prototype) in mid-2001. Eventually, the Navy wants to convert 124 existing EA-6Bs to this new variant in order to keep them flying until 2015. This program will cost $200 million. Capability-III will officially enter service in 2005.--Stephen V Cole
