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[[Image:DN-SD-07-00010.jpg|right|thumb|A US Navy E-2C of VAW-117 approaches to land on the flight deck of ''John C. Stennis'', clearly showing the new eight-bladed propellers being installed on all U.S. Navy E-2Cs]]
[[Image:DN-SD-07-00010.jpg|right|thumb|A US Navy E-2C of VAW-117 approaches to land on the flight deck of ''John C. Stennis'', clearly showing the new eight-bladed propellers being installed on all U.S. Navy E-2Cs]]


The latest version of the E-2, the '''E-2D Advanced Hawkeye''', is currently under development and the first two aircraft, "Delta One" and "Delta Two" are in flight testing. The E-2D features an entirely new avionics suite, including the new APY-9 radar, radio suite, mission computer, integrated satellite communications capability, flight management system, improved engines, a new "glass" cockpit and the ability to refuel in-flight. The APY-9 features an [[Active Electronically Scanned Array]] (electronically steered) radar in its rotodome. The E-2D will include provisions for either pilot to act as a Tactical 4th Operator, and have access to the full range of mission functions available to the CIC crew. First flight was 3 August 2007, with Initial Operational Capability (IOC) expected in 2011.<ref>Northrop Grumman Press Release, 3 August 2007.</ref>
The latest version of the E-2, the '''E-2D Advanced Hawkeye''', is currently under development and the first two aircraft, "Delta One" and "Delta Two" are in flight testing. The E-2D features an entirely new avionics suite, including the new APY-9 radar, radio suite, mission computer, integrated satellite communications capability, flight management system, improved engines, a new "glass" cockpit and the ability to refuel in-flight. The APY-9 features an [[Active Electronically Scanned Array]] (electronically steered) radar in its rotodome. The E-2D will include provisions for either pilot to act as a Tactical 4th Operator, and have access to the full range of mission functions available to the CIC crew. The E-2D's first flight occurred on 3 August 2007.<ref>[http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=124332 "Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Completes First Flight"]. Northrop Grumman, 3 August 2007.</ref> Initial Operational Capability (IOC) expected in 2011.


On May 8, 2009, an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye used [[Cooperative Engagement Capability]] to engage an overland cruise missile with a Standard Missile 6 in an integrated fire control test.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2009/06/mil-090605-nns01.htm Integrated Live-Fire Test Demonstrates Future Weapons System Capability]</ref>
On May 8, 2009, an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye used [[Cooperative Engagement Capability]] to engage an overland cruise missile with a Standard Missile 6 in an integrated fire control test.<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2009/06/mil-090605-nns01.htm Integrated Live-Fire Test Demonstrates Future Weapons System Capability]</ref>

Revision as of 13:25, 10 June 2009

E-2 Hawkeye
A US Navy E-2C Hawkeye flies over NAS Point Mugu, California, during a training exercise.
Role Airborne Early Warning and Control
Manufacturer Grumman
Northrop Grumman
First flight 1960
Introduction January 1964
Primary users United States Navy
French Navy
Egyptian Air Force
Japan Air Self-Defense Force
Variants C-2 Greyhound

The Grumman E-2 Hawkeye is an American all-weather, aircraft carrier-based tactical Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft. The twin turboprop aircraft was designed and developed in the 1950s by Grumman for the United States Navy as a replacement for the E-1 Tracer. The aircraft has been progressively updated with the latest variant, the E-2D, first flying in 2007.

The aircraft was nicknamed "Super Fudd"[1] because it replaced "Willy Fudd" (the E-1 Tracer). In the present day, it is most commonly nicknamed the "Hummer" due to the distinctive sound of its twin turboprop engines.

Design and development

In United States service, the Hawkeye provides all-weather airborne early warning and command and control functions for the carrier battle group. Additional missions include surface surveillance coordination, strike and interceptor control, search and rescue guidance and communications relay. An integral component of the carrier air wing, the E-2C uses computerized sensors to provide early warning, threat analysis and control of counteraction against air and surface targets. It is a high-wing aircraft with stacked antennae elements contained in a 24-foot (7.3 m) rotating dome above the fuselage.

The continuous improvements in early airborne radars by 1956 led to the concept of an airborne early warning and command and control aircraft. The first aircraft to perform this mission was the Grumman E-1 Tracer (a variant of the S-2 Tracker anti-submarine aircraft), which saw service from 1954 to the 1970s. The E-1's successor, the E-2 Hawkeye, was the first carrier-based aircraft designed from the outset for the all-weather airborne early warning and command and control function.

Ripples appear along the fuselage of a US Navy E-2C due to loads from landing on the USS Harry S. Truman.

The original E-2C, known as the Group 0, became operational in 1973 and has been through several upgrade programs since then. The first of these was the E-2C Group I which replaced the older APS-125 radar and T56-A-425 engines with the improved APS-139 and T56-A-427. This version was soon followed by the further improved Group II which now featured the APS-145 radar. The Group II has been incrementally upgraded with new navigation systems, displays and computers culminating in the E-2C Hawkeye 2000 variant (sometimes referred to as Group III, although the term is no longer used as an official designation). The Hawkeye 2000 features the APS-145 radar with a new mission computer and CIC (Combat Information Center) workstations (Advanced Control Indicator Set or ACIS), and carries the U.S. Navy’s new CEC (cooperative engagement capability) data-link system. It is also fitted with a larger capacity vapor cycle avionics cooling system. A variant of the Group II with the upgrades to the mission computer and CIC workstations is referred to as the MCU/ACIS. All Group II aircraft have had their 1960s vintage computer-processors replaced by a mission computer with the same functionality but built using more modern computer technology. This is referred to as the GrIIM RePr (Group II Mission Computer Replacement Program, pronounced "grim reaper"). In 2007 and 2008 a hardware and software upgrade package is being added to Hawkeye 2000 aircraft that allows faster processing, double current trackfile capacity, and access to satellite information networks. Hawkeye 2000 cockpits are also being upgraded to include solid-state glass displays, upgraded weather detection systems, and GPS-approach capability. Testing for in-flight refueling modifications is also being conducted.

E-2D Advanced Hawkeye

E-2A of VAW-11 landing in 1966 on the USS Coral Sea
A VAW-113 E-2B after landing on the USS Coral Sea in 1979
File:DN-SD-06-08192.jpg
A U.S. Navy E-2C Hawkeye launches from USS John C. Stennis.
Hawkeye interior
File:DN-SD-07-00010.jpg
A US Navy E-2C of VAW-117 approaches to land on the flight deck of John C. Stennis, clearly showing the new eight-bladed propellers being installed on all U.S. Navy E-2Cs

The latest version of the E-2, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, is currently under development and the first two aircraft, "Delta One" and "Delta Two" are in flight testing. The E-2D features an entirely new avionics suite, including the new APY-9 radar, radio suite, mission computer, integrated satellite communications capability, flight management system, improved engines, a new "glass" cockpit and the ability to refuel in-flight. The APY-9 features an Active Electronically Scanned Array (electronically steered) radar in its rotodome. The E-2D will include provisions for either pilot to act as a Tactical 4th Operator, and have access to the full range of mission functions available to the CIC crew. The E-2D's first flight occurred on 3 August 2007.[2] Initial Operational Capability (IOC) expected in 2011.

On May 8, 2009, an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye used Cooperative Engagement Capability to engage an overland cruise missile with a Standard Missile 6 in an integrated fire control test.[3]

Operational history

Since replacing the E-1 in 1964, the Hawkeye has been the "eyes of the fleet." Since its combat debut during the Vietnam conflict, the E-2 has served the US Navy around the world. Hawkeyes (from VAW-123 "Screwtops" aboard the USS America) directed F-14 fighters flying combat air patrol during Operation El Dorado Canyon, the two-carrier battle group joint strike against terrorist-related Libyan targets in 1986. More recently, E-2Cs provided the command and control for both land and air operations during the Gulf War. E-2C aircraft have worked with US Coast Guard, US Customs Service, and US law enforcement agencies in drug interdictions. A fatal aircraft mishap on 24 Aug 1990 involving a USCG E-2C at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico[4] led to the Coast Guard decommissioning its E-2C unit and all returning all borrowed E-2Cs to the US Navy control.

During Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom all ten Hawkeye squadrons flew overland sorties. They provided battle management for attack of enemy ground targets, close-air-support coordination, combat search and rescue control, airspace management, as well as datalink and communication relay for both land and naval forces. During Hurricane Katrina three Hawkeye squadrons were deployed in support of urban relief efforts including Air Traffic Control responsibilities spanning three states, and control of Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Army National Guard and Air National Guard helicopter rescue units.

Hawkeye 2000s first deployed in 2003 aboard USS Nimitz with VAW-117 "Wallbangers" and CVW-11. U.S. Navy E-2C Hawkeyes have been upgraded with eight bladed propellers as part of the NP2000 program; the first squadron to cruise with the new propellers was VAW-124 "Bear Aces". The latest version can track more than 2,000 targets simultaneously (while at the same time, detecting 20,000 simultaneously) to a range greater than 400 miles (650 km) and simultaneously guide 40–100 air to air intercepts or air to surface engagements.

Though once considered for replacement by the Common Support Aircraft, the original plan failed to materialize, and the E-2 will continue its role as the primary AEW aircraft of the USN in the near future.

Non-US service

E-2s were also been originally received by Egypt, France, Israel, Japan, Republic of China, and Singapore.[5] France's Aviation Navale is the only operator other than the US Navy to employ Hawkeyes from aircraft carriers.[6]

The Israeli Air Force operated four E-2s[6] until 1994. It was the first operator to install in-flight refuelling equipment. Three of four Israeli Hawkeyes were sold to Mexico[6] in 2002 after an upgrade package installation, one was handed over to the Israeli Air Force Museum.

Variants

W2F-1
Original designation of the Hawkeye, changed to E-2A in 1962.
E-2A
Initial production version, was W2F-1 before 1962.
TE-2A
Two E-2As converted as crew trainers.
YC-2A
Two E-2As converted as prototypes of the C-2 Greyhound
E-2B
As E-2A but fitted with improved computing, enlarged outer fins and provision for inflight refueling. Conversions from E-2A.
YE-2C
Two E-2As converted as E-2C prototypes.
E-2C
As the E-2B but with all new electronics, surveillance radar and search radar, 63 built. In "plus-models" the E-2C also has an upgraded power-plant.
E-2C Hawkeye 2000
It is a new upgrade version of E-2C.
E-2D
Currently in flight test. It will feature an entirely new avionics suite, improved engines, a new "glass cockpit" and the ability to refuel in-flight. Initial Operational Capability (IOC) is expected in 2011.
E-2K
Similar to E-2C Hawkeye 2000. Republic of China (Taiwan) named it E-2K.
E-2T
E-2C variant for Republic of China (Taiwan).

Operators

French Navy Hawkeye onboard the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.
An E-2C Hawkeye, attached to the Screwtops of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron VAW-123, performs a fly-by.
An E-2C Hawkeye of 111SQN Republic of Singapore Air Force.
 Republic of China (Taiwan)
 Egypt
  • Egyptian Air Force operates six aircraft, conversion to E-2 Hawkeye 2000 standard in progress, due to completion by end of 2008
 France
 Israel
 Japan
 Mexico
 Singapore
 United States

Specifications (E-2C)

General characteristics

  • Crew: 5 (2 pilots, 3 naval flight officers - combat information center officer, air control officer, radar operator)

Performance

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Accidents

References

Notes

  1. ^ Koppmann, George C. Carrier Airborne Early Warning. George C. Koppmann (LT, USNR - inactive)home page. [1] Retrieved: 13 December 2006.
  2. ^ "Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Completes First Flight". Northrop Grumman, 3 August 2007.
  3. ^ Integrated Live-Fire Test Demonstrates Future Weapons System Capability
  4. ^ http://www.uscg.mil/history/AviationCasualties.asp
  5. ^ Donald, David, ed. "Grumman E-2 Hawkeye/TE-2/C-2 Greyhound". The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. Barnes & Nobel Books, 1997. ISBN 0-7607-0592-5.
  6. ^ a b c Eden, Paul, ed. "Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye, Eyes of the fleet". Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft. Amber Books, 2004. ISBN 1904687849.
  7. ^ E-2 Hawkeye
  8. ^ CGAW-1 and Airfac Norfolk article

Bibliography

  • Winchester, Jim, ed. Military Aircraft of the Cold War (The Aviation Factfile). London: Grange Books plc, 2006. ISBN 1-84013-929-3.
  • Neubeck, Ken. E-2 Hawkeye Walk Around. Squadron/Signal Publications, 2008. ISBN 0-89747-555-0.
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