Northrop Grumman Corporation has received a U.S. Navy contract to begin production of a second Japanese E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Airborne Early Warning (AEW) and surveillance aircraft. The first Japanese E-2D is in production and will be delivered in 2018.

The aircraft will be produced at the company’s Aircraft Integration Center of Excellence in St. Augustine, Florida. Northrop Grumman will manufacture the Japanese E-2D Advanced Hawkeye on the same multiyear production line used for U.S. aircraft, which allows for a more efficient and affordable delivery schedule. The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is the world’s only AEW aircraft in production.
«For more than 50 years, Northrop Grumman has partnered with Japan by providing a range of capabilities and technologies in defense, security and communications», said Jane Bishop, vice president, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye programs, Northrop Grumman. «We are honored to continue this strong partnership through the E-2D program, which brings Japan a powerful new tool that meets their immediate airborne surveillance needs and facilitates information sharing across many platforms, making it a force multiplier for the future as well».
In 2014, the Japanese Ministry of Defense competitively selected the E-2D to fulfill the nation’s AEW requirements. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) has operated the E-2C Hawkeye since the 1983. The E-2C Hawkeye is also currently used by Taiwan, France and Egypt.
General Characteristics
Wingspan | 24.56 m/80 feet 7 in |
Width, wings folded | 8.94 m/29 feet 4 in |
Length overall | 17.60 m/57 feet 8.75 in |
Height overall | 5.58 m/18 feet 3.75 in |
Diameter of rotodome | 7.32 m/24 feet |
Weight empty | 19,536 kg/43,068 lbs |
Internal fuel | 5,624 kg/12,400 lbs |
Takeoff gross weight | 26,083 kg/57,500 lbs |
Maximum level speed | 648 km/h/350 knots/403 mph |
Maximum cruise speed | 602 km/h/325 knots/374 mph |
Cruise speed | 474 km/h/256 knots/295 mph |
Approach speed | 200 km/h/108 knots/124 mph |
Service ceiling | 10,576 m/34,700 feet |
Minimum takeoff distance | 410 m/1,346 feet ground roll |
Minimum landing distance | 537 m/1,764 feet ground roll |
Ferry range | 2,708 km/1,462 NM/1,683 miles |
Crew Members | 5 |
Power Plant | 2 × Rolls-Royce T56-A-427A, rated at 5,100 eshp each |
Unrefueled | >6 hours |
In-flight refueling | 12 hours |