BETHPAGE, N.Y., Feb. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The E-2D Advanced
Hawkeye, designed and manufactured by Northrop Grumman Corporation
(NYSE: NOC), has been approved to enter full-rate production by the
Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD). This decision follows a
report where the E-2D was declared operationally suitable and
effective, following a successful 10-month initial operational test
and evaluation (IOT&E) conducted by the U.S. Navy.
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"With the Navy's E-2D program of record at 75 aircraft, this
decision by OSD enables the production of the remaining 55 aircraft
over the next 10 years and provides the opportunity for a
cost-effective, multiyear procurement," said Bart LaGrone, vice president, E-2/C-2 programs,
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. "The entire Northrop
Grumman-led E-2D industry team remains focused on providing the
most capable and cost-effective airborne early warning and command
and control solution to our customer."
"Our Navy and Northrop Grumman team continues to deliver on our
promises," said Capt. John S.
Lemmon, E-2/C-2 Airborne Tactical Data System Program Office
(PMA-231) program manager. "I'm confident we will meet our ultimate
goal to provide a capable and ready fleet with E-2Ds as we prepare
for the first deployment in 2015."
Conducted by the U.S. Navy's Air Test and Evaluation Squadron
One, IOT&E is a rigorous phase of testing that every new system
undergoes to determine that it is operationally effective and
suitable for fleet introduction. A successful IOT&E is a key
factor leading to a successful full-rate production decision and is
a necessary step leading to a multiyear procurement.
LaGrone continued, "An operationally suitable and effective
rating confirms that the E-2D is a mature airborne early warning
and battle management, command and control system, capable of
providing critical force protection for carrier strike groups and
coalition forces."
To date, Northrop Grumman has delivered nine E-2Ds to the U.S.
Navy on or ahead of schedule, with another 11 aircraft in various
stages of manufacturing and pre-delivery flight testing. Initial
operational capability with the U.S. Navy remains on track for
2015.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing
innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems,
cybersecurity, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government
and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit
www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
SOURCE Northrop Grumman Corporation