The E-2C Hawkeye and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye are the central pillars to the CVW’s early warning and overall battle picture.
FORCE REPORT | US NAVY CARRIER AIR POWER
THE NORTHROP GRUMMAN E-2 is the Navy’s primary airborne surveillance and battle management command and control platform. The carrier-based airborne early warning aircraft has served as the ‘eyes of the fleet’ for over 50 years, and today the Hawkeye provides the fleet with a theater air and missile defense capability. It’s a vital element of keeping a precious asset such as a carrier safe.
The aircraft, which is now the oldest design flying from the US Navy’s aircraft carriers, has undergone many changes since the first E-2As deployed in 1965. The E-2C features the AN/APS-145 radar, which is capable of detecting and tracking targets and controlling more than 20 airborne intercepts. The Hawkeye 2000, which joined the fleet in 2002, features an improved commercial, off -the-shelf (COTS)-based mission computer upgrade (MCU), a new operator display, and improved satellite data and voice communications. Its co-operative engagement capability (CEC) allows the Hawkeye 2000 to work in conjunction with the Aegis combat systems installed on Navy warships to protect the fleet.
