New order for E-2D aircraft

[edpop]

Northrop Grumman won a $3.2 billion order from the US Navy for 24 more E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. The E-2D is the latest variant of the E-2, the Hawkeye carrier-based AEW&C aircraft. It is an all-weather airborne early warning aircraft that provides real-time tactical intelligence in maritime combat zones. The Advanced Hawkeye is assigned aboard aircraft carriers and provides airborne early warning and command and control to carrier air wing. The E-2D can act as a sensor to guide the fleet's weapons onto targets that other aircraft and ships can not locate. Also it warns of incoming anti-ship missile attacks. The aircraft was approved for full-rate production in 2013. In 2014 the US Navy ordered 25 E-2D aircraft. Work under the modification will take place within the US and France and is scheduled to be completed in August 2026.

[mixelflick]

I sure hope the Navy has a plan for protecting these aircraft..

A typical carrier battle group carries what, 2 to 4 of them? If a J-20 takes all or even a few of them out it isn't going to be pretty. The F-35C will likely have to pick up that function. But at least we'll have that option. With Super Hornets, it's going to get ugly fast.

Time for the Hawkeye Hornet. C'mon, you just know Boeing has that waiting in the wings