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.
