19 Jul 2007
On July 19, 2007 - Northrop Grumman has been awarded a $408 million pilot production contract to produce the next three E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning and battle management command and control (AEW/BMC2) aircraft for the U.S. Navy from 2007 to 2010.
This contract is a follow-on to the $1.93 billion System Development and Demonstration Contract (SD&D) awarded on August 4, 2003, for two test aircraft. The first E-2D Advanced Hawkeye development aircraft, known as Delta One, was rolled out on April 30, 2007. It is slated to fly in late summer, with the second SD&D aircraft scheduled for its first flight later in 2007.
Though externally similar in appearance to the E-2C, the systems are completely redesigned and the capabilities expanded. The E-2D is fitted with a new radar, Lockheed Martin's AN/APY-9, with better detection of small targets and at greater ranges than the current E-2C's AN/APS-145 radar. The new rotodome contains an electronically scanned array that provides continuous, 360-degree scanning. This capability allows flight operators to focus the radar on select areas of interest.
For better battlespace management and situational awareness by the operators, the aircraft will have new radar system workstations, integrated satellite communications capabilities and other management tools. The E-2D has furthermore a new modern glass cockpit that enables one of the two pilots to serve as an additional operator when necessary.
Northrop Grumman To Build Next Three E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes
This contract is a follow-on to the $1.93 billion System Development and Demonstration Contract (SD&D) awarded on August 4, 2003, for two test aircraft. The first E-2D Advanced Hawkeye development aircraft, known as Delta One, was rolled out on April 30, 2007. It is slated to fly in late summer, with the second SD&D aircraft scheduled for its first flight later in 2007.
Though externally similar in appearance to the E-2C, the systems are completely redesigned and the capabilities expanded. The E-2D is fitted with a new radar, Lockheed Martin's AN/APY-9, with better detection of small targets and at greater ranges than the current E-2C's AN/APS-145 radar. The new rotodome contains an electronically scanned array that provides continuous, 360-degree scanning. This capability allows flight operators to focus the radar on select areas of interest.
For better battlespace management and situational awareness by the operators, the aircraft will have new radar system workstations, integrated satellite communications capabilities and other management tools. The E-2D has furthermore a new modern glass cockpit that enables one of the two pilots to serve as an additional operator when necessary.
Source: Northrop Grumman
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