The Grumman E-2 Hawkeye is an American military carrier-based airborne early warning and control aircraft. Its radar, communications and mission crew provide surveillance and coordinate other aircraft. Successive E-2 versions have retained the basic carrier-support role while introducing substantially improved electronics.[1][2]
Origins and deployment
The E-2 first flew at Bethpage, New York, on 21 October 1960, with Tom Attridge at the controls. The Navy's first deployment followed in October 1965. The aircraft gave the carrier force its own airborne surveillance and control capability rather than requiring that function to come from shore.[2]
The Hawkeye's duties expanded to include strike and intercept control, maritime awareness, air traffic control and coordination of rescue operations. It is frequently among the first aircraft launched and last recovered during carrier flying operations because other missions depend on the information it supplies.[2]
Crew and systems
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye carries five people: two pilots and three mission-system operators. Its cockpit also allows the co-pilot to act as an additional mission operator when appropriate. Two Rolls-Royce T56-A-427A turboprops power this version.[1]
A glass cockpit and integrated mission systems support coordination of several activities during one flight. In addition to combat tasks, the aircraft can maintain communications between dispersed participants and assist rescue or drug-interdiction operations.[1]
Advanced Hawkeye
The E-2D achieved initial operational capability in October 2014. Its APY-9 radar and revised processing equipment improved detection and the distribution of information to the carrier strike group. Later aerial-refuelling capability increased the time available on station.[1][2]
These changes address a central operational requirement: the value of an airborne warning aircraft depends both on what it can detect and on how consistently it can remain available to the force it supports.[1]