NORFOLK, Va., Oct. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Navy
has declared initial operational capability (IOC) for the E-2D
Advanced Hawkeye aircraft, designed, developed and manufactured by
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC). It is the newest and most
technologically advanced variant of the venerable E-2 Hawkeye
airborne early warning command and control (AEW&C)
platform.
A photo accompanying this release is available at:
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"This significant milestone is a result of the strong
partnership between the fleet, the acquisition community and our
industry partner," said Capt. Drew
Basden, commander, Airborne Command Control and Logistics
Wing. "By achieving IOC, we can effectively deploy the E-2D for
operational missions and continue our successful transition from
the E-2C Hawkeye."
Developed and produced by Northrop Grumman, the E-2D Advanced
Hawkeye is the world's only aircraft specifically designed as a
carrier-based AEW&C system. The E-2D's structurally distinctive
design – which includes a rotating rotodome and four vertical
stabilizer tail configuration – provides unprecedented, 360-degree
surveillance to the warfighter.
"Since the first E-2D Advanced Hawkeye delivery in 2007, every
aircraft has been, and continues to be, delivered on cost and on
schedule," said Capt. John S.
Lemmon, program manager, E-2/C-2 Airborne Tactical Data
System Program Office (PMA-231). "The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
represents a revolutionary jump in capabilities. I'm confident that
the E-2D will continue to be ready, relevant and capable for
decades to come and continue serving the Navy Carrier Strike Group
with distinction."
As the only DoD-designed, tested and in-production AEW&C
platform, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye has undergone a significant
transformation from previous E-2 models, resulting in revolutionary
capabilities. This includes the new, more powerful AN/APY-9 radar
system, exclusive to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, which represents a
two-generational leap in radar technology and allows the warfighter
to "see" a greater number of targets at much greater distances – as
well as new avionics and a glass cockpit.
"This is a significant milestone that the entire Navy, Northrop
Grumman, and industry team can be proud of," said Bart LaGrone, vice president, E-2/C-2 Programs,
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. "We are proud of the pivotal
role the E-2 Hawkeye has played, and continues to play, in military
and humanitarian operations around the globe with the Navy as well
as our international operators - the Japan Air Self-Defense Force,
the French Navy, and the air forces of Taiwan and Egypt."
The Navy's E-2D Advanced Hawkeye program of record is for 75
aircraft, of which Northrop Grumman has already delivered 15
production aircraft.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing
innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems,
cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and
commercial customers worldwide. Please visit
www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
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SOURCE Northrop Grumman Corporation