Northrop Grumman press release
- DSSC 6 modernization includes Hawkeye Cockpit Technology Refresh and Theater Combat ID.
- Once fielded, the new open mission systems architecture of DSSC 6 will enable rapid integration of new capabilities, including non-proprietary applications from industry partners.
- Entire Navy fleet will be retrofitted with updated cockpit, navigation technologies and mission systems, beginning in 2029 and throughout the 2030s.
“Northrop Grumman has a long partnership with the U.S. Navy on the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye program to ensure with this fleet modernization that we continue to outpace evolving threats into the 2040s and beyond, with this proven airborne battle management command and control aircraft.”
Janice Zilch, vice president, multi-domain command and control programs, Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is the latest in a line of Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft that stretches back over 60 years. The E-2 platform is the foundation for the world’s premier airborne battle management command and control systems, effective over land and sea. Northrop Grumman has evolved the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye into a cutting-edge platform, capable of facing threats anywhere in the world.
E-2 variants are operated by Air Forces and Navies around the world. With an active production line and a 100% on-time delivery history, the E-2D continues to introduce new technology to outpace ever-evolving threats.
The E-2D seamlessly analyzes, fuses and distributes multi-domain information into a command-and-control system of systems, supporting all domains and levels of war. As the offensive and defensive coordinator of the Carrier Strike Group, the E-2D provides dominant and continuous interoperable command and control as well as surveillance for protection of the fleet.
The E-2 platform also provides search and rescue guidance, navigational assistance and communications relay. Operations include Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Tomodachi and Joint Task Force Katrina.
Naval News comments:
The U.S. Navy has awarded a multi-year procurement contract to Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. for the purchase of 24 E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft in full rate production for fiscal years 2019-2023. This is the second MYP contract awarded to NGSC. The Navy awarded the first in 2014 for the production of 25 E-2D aircraft. The U.S. congress later increased the number to 26 aircraft bringing the total number of E-2Ds on order for the U.S. Navy to 50 aircraft.
On the export side, Japan has 13 E-2D on order while France is procuring three new Advanced Hawkeyes to replace the in service E-2C Hawkeyes. The French program director previously confirmed to Naval News that the delivery of the three aircraft is set for 2028. They will become operation in 2030 following some localization work (which consists mostly in the integration of a specific computer which will guarantee the system’s autonomous upgrade capability). Naval News understands that the E-2D production line (located in St Augustine, Florida) shutdown will start this year and final U.S. Navy E-2Ds will roll off the production line in 2026. Contacted by Naval News, the E-2/C-2 Airborne Command & Control Systems Program Office (PMA-231) confirmed that unless follow-on orders by the U.S. Navy or export customers are placed, France would be getting the last aircraft ever produced
