NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — In a decision that will save the federal government about $369 million, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) awarded a $3.643 billion multi-year procurement contract to Northrop Grumman Corp. on June 30 for 25 E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft.
The five-year contract covers the purchase of full-rate production (FRP) E-2D aircraft, Lots two through six, during fiscal 2014 through fiscal 2018.
“The multi-year contract award increases the affordability of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, achieving the best price with taxpayer dollars,” said Capt. John Lemmon, E-2/C-2 Airborne Tactical Data System Program Office (PMA-231) program manager. “PMA-231 is committed to providing the warfighter with this interoperable weapon system. The program office’s unified mission focus and expertise will enable the E-2D aircraft to meet initial operational capability (IOC) at the start of next fiscal year.”
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is the newest variant of the E-2 aircraft platform. It features a state-of-the-art radar and upgraded aircraft systems, which will improve supportability and increase readiness. The program is on track for IOC, or in fiscal 2015. When fielded to the fleet, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye will join the F/A-18 and EA-18G Growler to comprise the future carrier flight deck, which will continue the Navy’s integrated warfighting legacy.
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye joins the E-2C and Hawkeye 2000 in providing its command and control capability to coordinate multiple missions, including air warfare, strike warfare, surface warfare and search-and-rescue operations.
Serving as a “digital quarterback,” the E-2D surveils the environment with its onboard sensors and processes this data with its tactical mission computer. It distributes the tactical picture to command centers and other assets through its onboard communication subsystems. The Navy also uses this capability to participate in humanitarian and disaster-relief operations.
The E-2D Hawkeye is slated to deploy with the first operational squadron, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125, in early fiscal 2015. For more information about the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, visit www.navair.navy.mil/Hawkeye.
For more information, contact PEO(T) Public Affairs at (301)757-7178.