Northrop Grumman has supplied the 70th E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft to the US Navy, marking a continued production push for the carrier-based platform.
The E-2D’s assembly for the military was launched in the early 2000s to replace the piston-engined E-1 Tracer system.
Its first flight took place in 2007, and initial operating capability was reached in 2014. A year later, the new aircraft was first deployed operationally aboard an aircraft carrier.
The program continues to evolve, with upgrades informed by field utility to meet changing mission demands.
To date, the company has built a total of 82 E-2D platforms for the US Navy and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
In 2021, navy officials verified that the service plans to commission more than 80 E-2Ds beyond 2040.
Janice Zilch, vice president and program manager for the E-2D, emphasized that the recent handover to the US Navy displays “our commitment to quality and performance with speed and scale,” adding the aircraft is showing “exceptional performance in today’s operational environments” while future enhancements are already in development.
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
The E-2D is the latest variant of the Hawkeye family, which has supported US naval aviation for decades.
Designed for airborne early warning and battle management, the aircraft serves as a command-and-control node linking joint and coalition forces.
Its 360-degree coverage and integrated network provide real-time battlefield awareness across air, land, and maritime domains.
The plane operates from both advanced installations and austere locations, supporting interoperability between allies.
The E-2D measures 58 feet (18 meters), has a wingspan of 81 feet (25 meters), and a capacity for a crew of five.
It is equipped with twin Allison/Rolls-Royce T56-A-427 turboprops with about 5,100 horsepower each for a range of 1,462 nautical miles (2,708 kilometers/1,682 miles), a ceiling of 34,700 feet (10,577 meters), and a speed of 350 knots (648 kilometers/403 miles per hour).
The E-2D is equipped with multiple communications suites, sensors, airborne weapon system computers, capability identification scanners, cameras, and electronic warfare systems.
