E-2 Hawkeye Airborne Command and Control Aircraft (2024)

Description
The E-2 Hawkeye is the Navy's all-weather, carrier-based tactical battle management airborne early warning, command and control aircraft. The E-2 is a twin engine, five crewmember, high-wing turboprop aircraft with a 24-foot diameter radar rotodome attached to the upper fuselage.

Background
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 1964. 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 mission. 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 Navy around the world.

Hawkeyes directed F-14 Tomcat fighters flying combat air patrol during the two-carrier battle group joint strike against terrorist-related Libyan targets in 1986. In the early 1990s, E-2s provided airborne command and control for successful Coalition Air Operations during the first Arabian Gulf War. Directing both land attack and combat air patrol missions over Iraq, the E-2 Hawkeye provided air control for the shoot-down of two Iraqi MIG-21 aircraft by carrier-based F/A-18s in the early days of the war. Later during the 1990s, E-2s supported Operations Northern and Southern Watch over Iraq. E-2s also supported NATO operations over the former Republic of Yugoslavia, including Operation Deny Flight. Recently in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, E-2 Hawkeyes provided critical Airborne Battle Management and Command and Control functions supporting numerous Close Air Support and Battlefield Interdiction missions. E-2s also have worked extremely effectively with U.S. law enforcement agencies in drug interdictions operating from bases both the United States and several foreign countries.

The E-2C became operational in 1973 and surpassed one million flight hours in August 2004. The aircraft has undergone several upgrades to its active and passive sensors, engines and propellers. The newest variant of the E-2C (Hawkeye 2000) with its new mission computer, improved radar displays and Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC), combined with the shipboard Aegis weapon system, forms the cornerstone of sea based Theater Air Missile Defense (TAMD).

Variants of the E-2C Hawkeye are also flown by the Egyptian Air Force, Japanese Self Defense Air Force, Taiwan Air Force and the French Navy.

Advanced Hawkeye (AHE)
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (AHE) is the newest variant of the E-2 aircraft platform, replacing the E-2C Hawkeye.

Program Status
The first operational fleet squadron completed aerial refueling (AR) training in FY2020. Aerial refueling increases the range and persistence of the E-2D AHE. With AR capabilities, the E-2D can remain aloft and on station for an extended period of time, allowing for extended range from the carrier, dual E-2D coverage, increased persistence and operational flexibility. AR-equipped aircraft will also feature new high endurance seats, fuel system enhancements, and new exterior lighting.

General Characteristics
Primary Function: Airborne Command and Control, Battle Space Management
Contractor:Northrop Grumman Aerospace Corp
Date Deployed: January 1964
Unit Cost: $80 million
Propulsion: Two Allison T-56-A427 turboprop engines; (5,100 shaft horsepower each)
Length:57 feet 6 inches (17.5 meters)
Height:18 feet 3 inches (5.6 meters)
Wingspan:80 feet 7 inches (28 meters)
Weight:Max. gross, take-off: 53,000 lbs (23,850 kg) 40,200 lbs basic (18,090 kg)
Airspeed:300+ knots (345 miles, 552 km. per hour)
Ceiling:30,000 feet (9,100 meters)
Crew:Five