Northrop Grumman Corporation successfully delivered the 51st U.S. Navy E-2D Advanced Hawkeye production aircraft, AA-52. The aircraft represents the last to be delivered under the Multi-Year Procurement (MYP) 1 contract. AA-52 is equipped with the Delta System/Software Configuration (DSSC) Build 3, which provides an additional leap in operational effectiveness and technology for the E-2D with the incorporation of aerial refueling and a dwell-based tracker. MYP 2 deliveries will begin this year, with increasing, game-changing capability enhancements for the U.S. Navy and joint force to outpace evolving threats.
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is a game changer in how the U.S. Navy will conduct battle management command and control. By serving as the «digital quarterback» to sweep ahead of strike, manage the mission, and keep our net-centric carrier battle groups out of harms way, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is the key to advancing the mission, no matter what it may be. The E-2D gives the warfighter expanded battlespace awareness, especially in the area of information operations delivering battle management, theater air and missile defense, and multiple sensor fusion capabilities in an airborne system.
With a two-generation leap in radar sensor capability and a robust network enabled capability, the Advanced Hawkeye will deliver critical, actionable data to joint forces and first responders. These advances provide warfighters with the necessary situational awareness to compress the time between initial awareness and active engagement.
Some of the many new features of the Advanced Hawkeye are:
A completely new radar featuring both mechanical and electronic scanning capabilities;
Fully Integrated «All Glass» Tactical Cockpit;
Advanced Identification Friend or Foe System;
New Mission Computer and Tactical Workstations;
Electronic Support Measures Enhancements;
Modernized Communications and Data Link Suite.
These and other new developments incorporated into the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye ensure:
Open architecture compliant, Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS)-based hardware and software enables rapid, cost-wise technology refresh for consistent leading-edge mission tools;
A true FORCEnet enabler – A force multiplier through network enabled capability, Advanced Hawkeye is the gateway to Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michael G. Mullen’s vision for a «1,000-ship navy»;
Multi-mission flexibility ranging from command and control through missile defense to border security.
The U.S. Navy has awarded BAE Systems a $26 million contract for Identification Friend-or-Foe (IFF) spares for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. Under the contract, BAE Systems will provide Beamforming Networks (BFNs), an integral part of antenna control for the AN/APX-122A IFF Interrogator system, onboard the carrier-capable tactical aircraft.
Delivering situational awareness for U.S. Navy warfighters
«These sets will provide situational awareness and early warning for U.S. Navy sailors and warfighters», said Donna Linke-Klein, director of Tactical Systems at BAE Systems. «The Advanced Hawkeye is essential for battle management command and control, and our interrogator systems enable operators to identify friendly forces and make informed decisions in a variety of threat environments».
The AN/APX-122A IFF Interrogator system provides positive identification of friendly aircraft, giving E-2D Advanced Hawkeye operators the situational awareness, they need to safely complete their missions. These missions include command and control, border security, search and rescue, and missile defense. The AN/APX-122A IFF Interrogator system is produced exclusively for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, due to the extraordinary requirements for this aircraft.
BAE Systems’ IFF aircraft identification systems provide time-critical insights that reduce friendly fire incidents, support mission success, and save lives – especially in hostile environments. BAE Systems has been a leader in IFF systems technology for more than seven decades, having delivered more than 14,000 transponders, 1,500 interrogators, and 6,000 combined interrogator transponder systems for use across a multitude of platforms.
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of France of three (3) E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $2 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
France has awarded an order worth about $2 billion for three Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye AEW aircraft, seen here during a test, to replace the earlier E-2Cs that operate from the French Navy carrier Charles de Gaulle (FR Navy photo)
The Government of France requests to buy three (3) E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Aircraft, ten (10) T-56-427A engines (6 installed and 4 spares), three (3) AN/APY-9 radar assemblies, four (4) AN/ALQ-217 electronic support measure systems (3 installed and 1 spare), three (3) AN/AYK-27 Integrated Navigation Channels and Display Systems, five (5) Link-16 (MIDS-JTRS) Communications Systems (3 installed and 2 spares), ten (10) Embedded GPS/INS (EGI) Devices (6 installed and 4 spares), four (4) AN/APX-122(A) and AN/APX-123(A) Identification, Friend or Foe systems (3 installed and 1 spare) and one (1) Joint Mission Planning System. Also included are Common Systems Integration Laboratories with/Test Equipment, one in Melbourne, FL, and the other in France; air and ground crew equipment; support equipment; spare and repair parts; publications and technical documentation; transportation; training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor logistics, engineering, and technical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated program cost is $2 billion.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve security of a NATO ally which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.
The proposed sale will improve France’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing its Naval Air Forces with a sustainable follow on capability to their current, legacy E-2C Hawkeye aircraft. The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft will continue and expand French naval aviation capabilities and maintain interoperability with U.S. naval forces. As a current E-2C Hawkeye operator, France will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and support into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor will be Northrop Grumman Systems Corp, Aerospace Systems, Melbourne, Florida. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the Purchaser and the prime contractor.
Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to France.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness resulting from this proposed sale.
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of France of three (3) E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $2 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on July 6, 2020.
France operates Grumman E-2C Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft aboard its flagship, the Charles de Gaulle nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, and plans to replace them with three E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes at a cost of about $2 billion (USN photo)
The Government of France requests to buy:
three (3) E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft;
ten (10) T-56-427A engines (6 installed and 4 spares);
three (3) AN/APY-9 radar assemblies;
four (4) AN/ALQ-217 electronic support measure systems (3 installed and 1 spare);
three (3) AN/AYK-27 Integrated Navigation Channels and Display Systems;
five (5) Link-16 (MIDS-JTRS) Communications Systems (3 installed and 2 spares);
ten (10) Embedded GPS/INS (EGI) Devices (6 installed and 4 spares);
four (4) AN/APX-122(A) and AN/APX-123(A) Identification, Friend or Foe systems (3 installed and 1 spare);
one (1) Joint Mission Planning System.
Also included are Common Systems Integration Laboratories with/Test Equipment, one in Melbourne, Florida, and the other in France; air and ground crew equipment; support equipment; spare and repair parts; publications and technical documentation; transportation; training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor logistics, engineering, and technical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
The total estimated program cost is $2 billion.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve security of a NATO ally which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.
The proposed sale will improve France’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing its Naval Air Forces with a sustainable follow on capability to their current, legacy E-2C Hawkeye aircraft.
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft will continue and expand French naval aviation capabilities and maintain interoperability with U.S. naval forces. As a current E-2C operator, France will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and support into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor will be Northrop Grumman Systems Corp, Aerospace Systems, Melbourne, Florida. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the Purchaser and the prime contractor.
Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to France.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness resulting from this proposed sale.
This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.
Northrop Grumman Corporation has been awarded a multi-year contract modification to deliver an additional 24 E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft to the U.S. Navy. The fixed-price-incentive-firm contract is valued at $3.2 billion; the contract also includes an option for nine additional foreign military sales aircraft. Production of the 24 U.S. Navy aircraft funded by the five-year contract is expected to be complete in 2026.
Northrop Grumman awarded $3.2 billion for 24 E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes to provide advanced early warning capability to the U.S. Navy (Photo courtesy of U.S. Navy)
The E-2D is the U.S. Navy’s airborne early warning and command and control aircraft system. The carrier-based aircraft provides expanded battlespace awareness for carrier strike groups. Its two-generation leap in radar technology allows the E-2D to work with ship-, air- and land-based combat systems to track and defeat air, ship and cruise missiles at extended range. The aircraft can also be used in a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capacity for civilian emergency coordination.
«This aircraft continues to demonstrate its strategic value to our warfighters with early warning, command and control», said Jane Bishop, vice president and integrated product team leader, manned airborne surveillance programs, Northrop Grumman. «With this contract, we’ll continue production of these highly specialized aircraft while delivering innovative solutions that outpace advancing threats over the life of the fleet».
Under the current program of record Northrop Grumman has delivered 37 E-2D to the U.S. Navy to date, completing all major production milestones on time. In addition to the production and sustainment of the E-2D, Northrop Grumman will deliver a series of capability upgrades. The third upgrade is slated for release in fall 2019 and includes an aerial refueling capability to significantly extend the aircraft’s endurance.
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
Northrop Grumman has successfully completed the first flight of an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye equipped with Aerial Refueling (AR). Under a 2013 Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development (EMD) contract award, Northrop Grumman designed, developed, manufactured, and tested several sub-system upgrades necessary to accommodate an aerial refueling capability.
The first U.S. Navy E-2D Advanced Hawkeye equipped with aerial refueling (Photo credit: John Germana, Northrop Grumman)
«The Northrop Grumman aerial refueling team continues to put outstanding effort into bringing this much-needed capability to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and our warfighters who rely on it», said Captain Keith Hash, program manager, E-2/C-2 Airborne Tactical Data System Program Office (PMA-231).
The aerial refueling capability will allow the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye to provide longer on-station times at greater ranges, extending its mission time to better support the warfighter.
The upgrades installed to support aerial refueling include probe and associated piping, electrical and lighting upgrades, and long endurance seats that will enhance field of view in the cockpit and reduce fatigue over longer missions.
«First flight is an exciting day in the journey from concept to an aerial refueling equipped E-2D», said Jane Bishop, vice president, E-2/C-2 programs, Northrop Grumman. «This takes the E-2D to another level, which will bring more combat persistence to the U.S. and our allies».
The aerial refueling program will modify three aircraft for testing planned through 2018. Production cut-in and retrofit plans are scheduled to begin in 2018.
The first U.S. Navy E-2D Advanced Hawkeye equipped with aerial refueling (Photo credit: John Germana, Northrop Grumman)
E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is a game changer in how the Navy will conduct battle management command and control. By serving as the «digital quarterback» to sweep ahead of strike, manage the mission, and keep our net-centric carrier battle groups out of harms way, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is the key to advancing the mission, no matter what it may be. The E-2D gives the warfighter expanded battlespace awareness, especially in the area of information operations delivering battle management, theater air and missile defense, and multiple sensor fusion capabilities in an airborne system.
Hardware with system characteristics that provides:
Substantial target processing capacity (>3,000 reports per second)
Three highly automated and common operator stations
High-capacity, flat-panel color high-resolution displays
Extensive video type selection (radar and identification friend/foe)
HF/VHF/UHF and satellite communications systems
Extensive data link capabilities
Inertial navigational system and global positioning system navigation and in-flight alignment
Open architecture ensures rapid technology upgrades and customized configuration options
The Hawkeye provides all-weather airborne early warning, airborne battle management and command and control functions for the Carrier Strike Group and Joint Force Commander
General Characteristics
Wingspan
80 feet 7 inch/24.56 m
Width, wings folded
29 feet 4 inch/8.94 m
Length overall
57 feet 8.75 inch/17.60 m
Height overall
18 feet 3.75 inch/5.58 m
Diameter of rotodome
24 feet/7.32 m
Weight empty
43,068 lbs/19,536 kg
Internal fuel
12,400 lbs/5,624 kg
Takeoff gross weight
57,500 lbs/26,083 kg
Maximum level speed
350 knots/403 mph/648 km/h
Maximum cruise speed
325 knots/374 mph/602 km/h
Cruise speed
256 knots/295 mph/474 km/h
Approach speed
108 knots/124 mph/200 km/h
Service ceiling
34,700 feet/10,576 m
Minimum takeoff distance
1,346 feet/410 m ground roll
Minimum landing distance
1,764 feet/537 m ground roll
Ferry range
1,462 NM/1,683 miles/2,708 km
Crew Members
5
Power Plant
2 × Rolls-Royce T56-A-427A, rated at 5,100 eshp each
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.
Northrop Grumman has received a U.S. Navy contract to begin configuration of a second Japanese E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
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
Northrop Grumman Corporation has received a U.S. Navy contract modification for non-recurring engineering and recurring support to configure the first Japanese E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.
The E-2D is an all-weather, Airborne Early Warning (AEW), command and control aircraft that will meet the Japanese Defense Ministry’s requirements for a future airborne early warning platform, according to a statement it released in November 2014. The aircraft will be produced at the company’s Aircraft Integration Center of Excellence in St. Augustine, Florida.
Under the $285,975,244 contract modification, Northrop Grumman will configure the Japanese E-2D aircraft utilizing the same E-2D multiyear production line used for U.S. aircraft to allow for a more efficient and affordable delivery schedule. The E-2D is the world’s only in-production AEW aircraft.
In November 2014, the Japan Ministry of Defense competitively selected the E-2D to fulfill an emerging next-generation AEW requirement.
«The E-2D will provide a critical capability that will serve as a force multiplier for the Japanese government», said Jane Bishop, vice president, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and C-2 Greyhound programs, Northrop Grumman. «First responders will be able to receive and act on information more quickly than before with greater airborne early warning capability and a networked communications system».
The Japanese Air Self Defense Force has operated the E-2C Hawkeye since the late 1980s. The E-2C is also currently in use by Taiwan, France and Egypt.
The Hawkeye provides all-weather airborne early warning, airborne battle management and command and control functions for the Carrier Strike Group and Joint Force Commander
E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is a game changer in how the Navy will conduct battle management command and control. By serving as the «digital quarterback» to sweep ahead of strike, manage the mission, and keep our net-centric carrier battle groups out of harms way, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is the key to advancing the mission, no matter what it may be. The E-2D gives the warfighter expanded battlespace awareness, especially in the area of information operations delivering battle management, theater air and missile defense, and multiple sensor fusion capabilities in an airborne system.
Open architecture compliant, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS)-based hardware and software enables rapid, cost-wise technology refresh for consistent leading-edge mission tools
Hardware with system characteristics that provides:
Substantial target processing capacity (>3,000 reports per second)
Three highly automated and common operator stations
High-capacity, flat-panel color high-resolution displays
Extensive video type selection (radar and identification friend/foe)
HF/VHF/UHF and satellite communications systems
Extensive data link capabilities
Inertial navigational system and global positioning system navigation and in-flight alignment
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Japan for E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.7 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on Jun 1, 2015.
The E-2D introduces a rotating, UHF-band, Lockheed Martin APY-9 radar designed to track objects as small as cruise missiles against the background clutter of a coastal environment
The Government of Japan has requested a possible sale of:
four (4) Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (AHE) Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft;
ten (10) Rolls-Royce T56-A-427A engines (8 installed and 2 spares);
eight (8) Multifunction Information Distribution System Low Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVT);
four (4) Lockheed Martin APY-9 Radars;
modifications;
spare and repair parts;
support equipment;
publications and technical documentation;
personnel training and training equipment;
ferry services;
aerial refueling support;
S. Government and contractor logistics;
engineering and technical support services;
other related elements of logistics and program support.
The estimated cost is $1.7 billion.
A completely new radar featuring both mechanical and electronic scanning capabilities
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States. Japan is one of the major political and economic powers in East Asia and the Western Pacific and a key partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability in that region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Japan in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives and the 1960 Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.
The proposed sale of E-2D AHE aircraft will improve Japan’s ability to effectively provide homeland defense utilizing an AEW&C capability. Japan will use the E-2D AHE aircraft to provide AEW&C situational awareness of air and naval activity in the Pacific region and to augment its existing E-2C Hawkeye AEW&C fleet. Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of these aircraft and support will not alter the basic military balance in the Pacific region.
The principal contractor will be Northrop Grumman Corporation Aerospace Systems in Melbourne, Florida. The acquisition and integration of all systems will be managed by the U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Fully Integrated «All Glass» Tactical Cockpit
E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is a game changer in how the Navy will conduct battle management command and control. By serving as the «digital quarterback» to sweep ahead of strike, manage the mission, and keep our net-centric carrier battle groups out of harms way, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is the key to advancing the mission, no matter what it may be. The E-2D gives the warfighter expanded battlespace awareness, especially in the area of information operations delivering battle management, theater air and missile defense, and multiple sensor fusion capabilities in an airborne system.
Hardware with system characteristics that provides:
Substantial target processing capacity (>3,000 reports per second)
Three highly automated and common operator stations
High-capacity, flat-panel color high-resolution displays
Extensive video type selection (radar and identification friend/foe)
HF/VHF/UHF and satellite communications systems
Extensive data link capabilities
Inertial navigational system and global positioning system navigation and in-flight alignment
Open architecture ensures rapid technology upgrades and customized configuration options
The Hawkeye provides all-weather airborne early warning, airborne battle management and command and control functions for the Carrier Strike Group and Joint Force Commander
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
Crew Members: 5
Power Plant: 2 × Rolls-Royce T56-A-427A, rated at 5,100 eshp each
Five E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125 will make their maiden deployment as part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71).
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is set to replace the E-2C Hawkeye in its primary mission to provide airborne early warning and command and control capabilities for all aircraft-carrier battle groups. While the primary mission for the E-2 has not changed, the Advanced Hawkeye is able to gather and process data more precisely and efficiently thanks to state-of-the-art radar and communication equipment.
«Suppose you’re looking through a pair of goggles, with the E-2C you have 20/20 vision, and with the E-2D you have 20/10», said Cmdr. Daryl Trent, commanding officer of VAW-125. «It has significantly advanced radar, its computer processing capabilities have been increased and the communication suites have been enhanced. This plane is a real game-changer».
The Advanced Hawkeye’s technology makes it a multi-mission platform through its ability to coordinate concurrent missions, which may arise during a single flight. These missions can include airborne strike, ground force support, rescue operations and managing a reliable communications network capable of supporting drug interdiction operations.
Along with advances in equipment, the Advanced Hawkeye’s all-glass cockpit boasts an entirely digital display, an upgrade that allows the co-pilot to act as the Tactical 4th Operator (T4O).
A completely new radar featuring both mechanical and electronic scanning capabilities
«It’s not like before when everything was pressure gauges», said Trent. «Now everything is digital. This makes for a stronger ability to process information, and allows the co-pilot to change his display and access acquired data».
With the first five going out to sea, the Navy plans to continue procuring the Advanced Hawkeye to replace the Hawkeye through 2023.
«This aircraft has been in development for almost 20 years», said Trent. «Now that we’re set for our maiden deployment, and we get set to integrate with craft like the growler and the hornet, we’re going to become the most efficient carrier strike group in the fleet».
VAW-125 deploys as part of CVW-1 on a regularly scheduled deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility to conduct maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Open architecture compliant, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS)-based hardware and software enables rapid, cost-wise technology refresh for consistent leading-edge mission tools
E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is a game changer in how the Navy will conduct battle management command and control. By serving as the «digital quarterback» to sweep ahead of strike, manage the mission, and keep our net-centric carrier battle groups out of harms way, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is the key to advancing the mission, no matter what it may be. The E-2D gives the warfighter expanded battlespace awareness, especially in the area of information operations delivering battle management, theater air and missile defense, and multiple sensor fusion capabilities in an airborne system.
The Hawkeye provides all-weather airborne early warning, airborne battle management and command and control functions for the Carrier Strike Group and Joint Force Commander
Hardware with system characteristics that provides:
Substantial target processing capacity (>3,000 reports per second)
Three highly automated and common operator stations
High-capacity, flat-panel color high-resolution displays
Extensive video type selection (radar and identification friend/foe)
HF/VHF/UHF and satellite communications systems
Extensive data link capabilities
Inertial navigational system and global positioning system navigation and in-flight alignment
