Northrop Grumman gets $3.1B to build 24 E-2D Hawkeye early warning aircraft

April 11, 2019, by navaltoday

The US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has awarded Northrop Grumman Systems a multi-year contract for the purchase of 24 E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft.

An E-2C Hawkeye assigned to the "Liberty Bells" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 115, of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, prepares to land on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Photo: US Navy

The $3.1 billion contract is in support of full rate production for fiscal years 2019-2023.

This is the second MYP contract awarded to the company after the first one, which was for 25 E-2D AHE aircraft, was awarded in 2014. Congress later increased the number to 26 aircraft.

NAVAIR said the savings for MYP II are projected to be $410.6 million (11 percent) over the five years of the contract. The first MYP contract saved $586.6 million, a 13.9 percent savings compared to the cost of five single-year procurement contracts.

“This is a critical element in providing the next generation of world class command and control aircraft to the fleet,” says Capt. Keith Hash, E-2/C-2 Airborne Tactical Data Systems Program Office (PMA-231) program manager.

Airborne early warning aircraft changed the nature of warfare, and the E-2D AHE is the next generation.

Among the improvements in the E-2D are an all-new electronics suite, enhanced turboprop engines, modernized communications, and upgrade potential for mid-air refueling capabilities. E-2D also brings the new AN/APY-9 radar to the carrier strike group.

The US Navy first took delivery of the E2-D in July of 2010 and began a phased replacement of the venerable E-2C aircraft, which has served the fleet since 1973.