Northrop Grumman to produce three E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes for France.

According to information published by the US DoD on August 2, 2023, Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. in Melbourne, Florida, has been granted a $387.8 million contract modification by the U.S. Department of Defense.
Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

US Navy's E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. (Picture source: Northrop Grumman)

This new deal expands the original contract's scope to include the design, engineering, and production of three specialized E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft for the French government.

About the E-2D Hawkeye

The French Navy's Flotilla 4F relies on three E-2C Hawkeyes as airborne sentinels, mainly operating from the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. However, the emergence of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, first flown in August 2007 and integrated into U.S Navy's fleet from 2018, represents a significant leap in surveillance capabilities.

Key improvements in the E-2D include the addition of in-flight refueling systems, advanced avionics, and a bolstered Lockheed Martin's AN/APY-9 radar capable of tracking a larger number of targets, including 5th generation fighter jets and cruise missiles. Operating round the clock and under any weather conditions, this radar can also guide certain weapons beyond their firing platform's control range.

With the prospect of extended-duration flights, the E-2D's cockpit has been redesigned for better visibility and comfort. The inclusion of secure communication systems, a more powerful onboard computer, touch-sensitive digital screens, and engine upgrades aligns the aircraft with the demands of long-haul missions.