E-2D aircraft

The US Navy’s Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 1 has successfully completed its initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) period of the Northrop Grumman-built E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft and validated its capabilities.

The IOT&E report also confirmed the aircraft’s suitability and effectiveness for conducting naval missions, further supporting the Defense Acquisition Board’s approval for full-rate production of the aircraft.

VX-1 operational test director lieutenant commander Gregory Harkins said that the E-2D aircraft demonstrated an increase in combat effectiveness by tracking small fighter size targets in challenging environments.

During the ten-month IOT&E, conducted according to the needs of the current system design development (SDD) programme, E-2D validated its performance and mission-readiness.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

E-2/C-2 Airborne Tactical Data System Program Office (PMA-231) programme manager captain John S Lemmon said: "The E-2D team came together with one vision and goal, and the IOT&E report confirms that we are delivering a solid product to the fleet."

"The E-2D team came together with one vision and goal, and the IOT&E report confirms that we are delivering a solid product to the fleet."

The flight test data also emphasised its radar and mission systems performance improvements in overland and littoral scenarios, during the trials conducted at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada and Nellis Air Force Base, US, as well as other nationwide locations.

As part of the IOT&E, the team also demonstrated the Hawkeye airborne early-warning and control (AWAC) aircraft’s ability to strike against enemy unmanned aircraft systems during the Black Dart exercise at Naval Air Station Point Mugu, US.

Capable of supporting a range of missions such as airborne strike, land force support, rescue operations, the aircraft can manage a reliable communications network between widely dispersed nodes and drug interdiction operations.

The E-2D aircraft is planned to achieve initial operational capabilities (IOC) in 2015.


Image: US Navy’s E-2D aircraft stationed at a base. Photo: courtesy of US Navy photo.

Defence Technology