The Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye is a marvel of airborne early warning and control technology, ready to take to the skies and provide early warning, battle management, and command and control for the US Navy . Since its inception in the early 1960s, the Hawkeye has undergone numerous upgrades and transformations, flying for over 2 million hours and shaping tens of major combat operations.
Photo: Northrop Grumman
The US Navy’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is the newest variant of the E-2 aircraft platform. It features state-of-the-art radar and upgraded aircraft systems to improve supportability and increase readiness for Initial Operational Capability in fiscal year 2015. As the eyes of the fleet, the legacy joined the F-35 Lightning II, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and EA-18G Growler, composing the future carrier flight deck.
Feature Description Power Plant Two Rolls-Royce T56-A-427A Turboprops Speed +300 knots (345.23 MPH, 555.6 km/h) Endurance Six hours Range 1,462 NM (1,682 mi, 2,708 km) Crew Five: 2 pilots, 3 systems operators
Photo: US Navy
The birth of the E-2 legend
The journey of the E-2 Hawkeye began during the Cold War when the need for advanced airborne early warning systems became essential. The first variant, the E-2A Hawkeye, was introduced in the early 1960s by the Grumman Aircraft Company to replace its primary E-1 Tracer early warning aircraft.
With its distinct radar dome mounted atop the fuselage, the E-2A was designed to provide all-weather airborne early warning, command and control, and surveillance capabilities. It was a game-changer, allowing the US Navy to detect and track enemy aircraft and ships.
However, the initial variant faced several technical challenges, leading to the development of the E-2B Hawkeye.
The upgraded E-2B
The E-2A model was upgraded to the E-2B standard in 1970. It served on various ships, including the USS America, USS John F. Kennedy, USS Ranger, USS Midway, USS Forrestal, and USS Independence. The E-2B featured significant improvements in radar and avionics, addressing the reliability issues of its predecessor, capable of tracking up to 300 targets. The enhancements made this variant a more capable and dependable platform, setting the stage for future advancements.
On June 11, 1971, an E-2B crashed in the South China Sea, resulting in the deaths of five crew members while on a mission for the USS Midway aircraft carrier CVA-41 contingent. The photo shows a Grumman E-2B Hawkeye from Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 115,
What To Know About The US Navy E-2 Hawkeye Variants
