Two E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes fly together during the development program, that has now nearly concluded. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
Posted on 03/17/2015 6:27:39 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
After a $3 billion development program lasting 12 years, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye AEW&C aircraft is making its first carrier deployment. “We’ve met every technical and cost milestone,” claimed Jay Mulhall, director of AEW business development for Northrop Grumman. Speaking at the Airborne ISR Conference in London, organized by Defence IQ, Mulhall gave new details about the land-based version of the E-2D that is being offered to international customers.
U.S. Navy squadron VAW-125 has embarked its five Advanced Hawkeyes on the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), which is now en route to the Middle East. The Navy will receive its 17th E-2D this week; a total of 26 are in a $3.6 billion multi-year procurement (MYP) contract covering the FY2014-FY2018 period. Although outwardly similar to the E-2C Hawkeyes that they replace, the E-2Ds have new radar, ESM, communications and avionics that allow additional missions such as overland surveillance and network coordination.
Northrop Grumman is contracted to develop a fixed probe system for air-to-air (AAR) refueling capability on U.S. Navy E-2D fleet, for service beginning in 2020. This will extend endurance beyond the four to five hours available today. But for international customers who do not practice AAR, the company is developing a full “wet” wing that will provide 8 to 9 hours' endurance, Mulhall said. Japan is the first confirmed export customer of the E-2D, having chosen the Advanced Hawkeye last November in preference to the Boeing Wedgetail. The aircraft has also been promoted to India, Malaysia and the UAE.
Mulhall claimed that the open system architecture of the E-2D permits easier integration of the different datalinks, radios and satcom that an international customer may specify. He further noted that the MYP contract has built-in flexibility to accommodate export orders, thus “allowing international customers to leverage the $1.2 billion investment” over the period.
Unlike the radars on other AEW aircraft, the E-2D’s Lockheed Martin APY-9 operates in the UHF band. According to Mulhall, this provides unique advantages such as enhanced detection of low radar-cross-section threats, and performance in bad weather. “The E-2D can defend the carrier strike group against the most lethal threats in the world,” he told the conference.
Two E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes fly together during the development program, that has now nearly concluded. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
Lots more pics:
http://www.northropgrumman.com/MediaResources/Pages/MediaGallery.aspx?ProductId=AD-10010
They’re nice looking airplanes in an ungainly sort of way. Crisp, clean and new unlike most of our aircraft.
Even the chicom airplanes in another posting from today look new and crisp compared to so many of ours because ours are just worn out.
Squadroned with E2-A Hawkeyes in the Tonkin Gulf. Cool as ever.
VAW-116 Aboard Uss Coral Sea CVA-43 1968-69
Grumman Iron Works. How many airplanes have they delivered with hardly any fuss or problem? It has not been an unbroken stream but it has been a pretty consistent one. McDonnell-Douglas has delivered some great planes as well.
My controversial point is the F-35 delivery compared to so many others brought to the line with so much less drama. They have delivered some great efforts up to the F-22 and the legacy of Kelly Johnson is undeniable but he isn’t around any more and it shows. Maybe Lockheed should stick to transports and one-of-a-kind airplanes?
Then there is Boeing who have had the good sense to stick to what they do very well... big multi-engine airplanes. The F-15 and FA-18 are McDonnell-Douglas heritage from St. Louis.
Built in Beautiful St. Augustine Florida.
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