Photo credit © Northrop Grumman
The U.S. Navy has declared initial operational capability (IOC) for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft, designed, developed and manufactured by Northrop Grumman Corporation. It is the newest and most technologically advanced variant of the venerable E-2 Hawkeye airborne early warning command and control (AEW&C) platform.
« This significant milestone is a result of the strong partnership between the fleet, the acquisition community and our industry partner, » said Capt. Drew Basden, commander, Airborne Command Control and Logistics Wing. « By achieving IOC, we can effectively deploy the E-2D for operational missions and continue our successful transition from the E-2C Hawkeye. »
Developed and produced by Northrop Grumman, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is the world’s only aircraft specifically designed as a carrier-based AEW&C system. The E-2D’s structurally distinctive design – which includes a rotating rotodome and four vertical stabilizer tail configuration – provides unprecedented, 360-degree surveillance to the warfighter.
« Since the first E-2D Advanced Hawkeye delivery in 2007, every aircraft has been, and continues to be, delivered on cost and on schedule, » said Capt. John S. Lemmon, program manager, E-2/C-2 Airborne Tactical Data System Program Office (PMA-231). « The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye represents a revolutionary jump in capabilities. I’m confident that the E-2D will continue to be ready, relevant and capable for decades to come and continue serving the Navy Carrier Strike Group with distinction. »
As the only DoD-designed, tested and in-production AEW&C platform, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye has undergone a significant transformation from previous E-2 models, resulting in revolutionary capabilities. This includes the new, more powerful AN/APY-9 radar system, exclusive to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, which represents a two-generational leap in radar technology and allows the warfighter to « see » a greater number of targets at much greater distances – as well as new avionics and a glass cockpit.
« This is a significant milestone that the entire Navy, Northrop Grumman, and industry team can be proud of, » said Bart LaGrone, vice president, E-2/C-2 Programs, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. « We are proud of the pivotal role the E-2 Hawkeye has played, and continues to play, in military and humanitarian operations around the globe with the Navy as well as our international operators – the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, the French Navy, and the air forces of Taiwan and Egypt. »
The Navy’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye program of record is for 75 aircraft, of which Northrop Grumman has already delivered 15 production aircraft.
