Grumman E-2 Hawkeye

The Grumman E-2 Hawkeye is an American all-weather, aircraft carrier-based tactical Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft. The twin turboprop aircraft was designed and developed in the 1950s by Grumman for the United States Navy as a replacement for the E-1 Tracer. The United States Navy aircraft has been progressively updated with the latest variant, the E-2D, first flying in 2007. Small numbers are also operated by other countries, the largest foreign operator being Japan.

The aircraft was nicknamed "Super Fudd"[1] because it replaced "Willy Fudd" (the E-1 Tracer). In the present day, it is most commonly nicknamed the "Hummer" due to the distinctive sound of its twin turboprop engines.

Design and development

In United States service, the Hawkeye provides all-weather airborne early warning and command and control functions for the carrier battle group. Additional missions include surface surveillance coordination, strike and interceptor control, search and rescue guidance and communications relay. An integral component of the carrier air wing, the E-2C uses computerized sensors to provide early warning, threat analysis and control of counteraction against air and surface targets. It is a high-wing aircraft with stacked antennae elements contained in a 24-foot (7.3 m) rotating dome above the fuselage.

The continuous improvements in early airborne radars by 1956 led to the concept of an airborne early warning and command and control aircraft. The first aircraft to perform this mission was the Grumman E-1 Tracer (a variant of the S-2 Tracker anti-submarine aircraft), which saw service from 1958 to 1977. The E-1's successor, the E-2 Hawkeye, was the first carrier-based aircraft designed from the outset for the all-weather airborne early warning and command and control function. The first production version, the E-2A, entered service in January 1964.
Ripples appear along the fuselage of a US Navy E-2C due to loads from landing on the USS Harry S. Truman.

The original E-2C, known as the Group 0, became operational in 1973 and has been through several upgrade programs since then. The first of these was the E-2C Group I which replaced the older APS-125 radar and T56-A-425 engines with the improved APS-139 and T56-A-427. This version was soon followed by the further improved Group II which now featured the APS-145 radar. The Group II has been incrementally upgraded with new navigation systems, displays and computers culminating in the E-2C Hawkeye 2000 variant (sometimes referred to as Group III, although the term is no longer used as an official designation). The Hawkeye 2000 features the APS-145 radar with a new mission computer and CIC (Combat Information Center) workstations (Advanced Control Indicator Set or ACIS), and carries the U.S. Navy’s new CEC (cooperative engagement capability) data-link system. It is also fitted with a larger capacity vapor cycle avionics cooling system. A variant of the Group II with the upgrades to the mission computer and CIC workstations is referred to as the MCU/ACIS. All Group II aircraft have had their 1960s vintage computer-processors replaced by a mission computer with the same functionality but built using more modern computer technology. This is referred to as the GrIIM RePr (Group II Mission Computer Replacement Program, pronounced "grim reaper"). In 2007 and 2008 a hardware and software upgrade package is being added to Hawkeye 2000 aircraft that allows faster processing, double current trackfile capacity, and access to satellite information networks. Hawkeye 2000 cockpits are also being upgraded to include solid-state glass displays, upgraded weather detection systems, and GPS-approach capability. Testing for in-flight refueling modifications is also being conducted.
[edit] E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
E-2A of VAW-11 landing in 1966 on the USS Coral Sea
A VAW-113 E-2B after landing on the USS Coral Sea in 1979
A U.S. Navy E-2C Hawkeye launches from USS John C. Stennis.
Hawkeye interior (Group 0 configuration)
A US Navy E-2C of VAW-117 approaches to land on the flight deck of John C. Stennis, clearly showing the new eight-bladed propellers being installed on all U.S. Navy E-2Cs

Though once considered for replacement by the Common Support Aircraft, the original plan failed to materialize, and the E-2 will continue its role as the primary AEW aircraft of the USN in the near future, in its E-2D guise.

The latest version of the E-2, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, is currently under development and the first two aircraft, "Delta One" and "Delta Two" are in flight testing. The E-2D features an entirely new avionics suite, including the new APY-9 radar, radio suite, mission computer, integrated satellite communications capability, flight management system, improved engines, a new "glass" cockpit and the ability to refuel in-flight. The APY-9 features an Active Electronically Scanned Array (electronically steered) radar in its rotodome. The E-2D will include provisions for either pilot to act as a Tactical 4th Operator, and have access to the full range of mission functions available to the CIC crew. The E-2D's first flight occurred on 3 August 2007.[2] The E-2D will undergo Initial Operational Test and Evaluation in 2011.[3]

On May 8, 2009, an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye used Cooperative Engagement Capability to engage an overland cruise missile with a Standard Missile 6 in an integrated fire control test.[4]
[edit] Operational history

Since entering service in 1964, the Hawkeye has been the "eyes of the fleet." Since its combat debut during the Vietnam conflict, the E-2 has served the US Navy around the world. Hawkeyes (from VAW-123 "Screwtops" aboard the USS America) directed F-14 fighters flying combat air patrol during Operation El Dorado Canyon, the two-carrier battle group joint strike against terrorist-related Libyan targets in 1986. More recently, E-2Cs provided the command and control for both land and air operations during the Gulf War. E-2C aircraft have worked with US Coast Guard, US Customs Service, and US law enforcement agencies in drug interdictions. A fatal aircraft mishap on 24 Aug 1990 involving a USCG E-2C at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico[5] led to the Coast Guard decommissioning its E-2C unit and returning all borrowed E-2Cs to US Navy control.

During Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom all ten Hawkeye squadrons flew overland sorties. They provided battle management for attack of enemy ground targets, close-air-support coordination, combat search and rescue control, airspace management, as well as datalink and communication relay for both land and naval forces. During Hurricane Katrina three Hawkeye squadrons were deployed in support of urban relief efforts including Air Traffic Control responsibilities spanning three states, and control of Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Army National Guard and Air National Guard helicopter rescue units.

Hawkeye 2000s first deployed in 2003 aboard USS Nimitz with VAW-117 "Wallbangers" and CVW-11. U.S. Navy E-2C Hawkeyes have been upgraded with eight bladed propellers as part of the NP2000 program; the first squadron to cruise with the new propellers was VAW-124 "Bear Aces". The latest version can track more than 2,000 targets simultaneously (while at the same time, detecting 20,000 simultaneously) to a range greater than 400 miles (650 km) and simultaneously guide 40–100 air to air intercepts or air to surface engagements.
[edit] Non-US service

E-2s were originally received by Egypt, France, Israel, Japan, Republic of China, and Singapore.[6] France's Aviation Navale is the only operator other than the US Navy to employ Hawkeyes from aircraft carriers.[7]

The Israeli Air Force operated four E-2s[7] until 1994. It was the first operator to install in-flight refuelling equipment. Three of four Israeli Hawkeyes were sold to Mexico[7] in 2002 after an upgrade package installation, one was handed over to the Israeli Air Force Museum.

In August 2009, the US Navy and Northrop Grumman made a presentation about E-2D to the Indian Navy which the U.S. Government approved in September. The Indian Navy is said to have a requirement for six aircraft.[8][9]
[edit] Variants

W2F-1
Original designation of the Hawkeye, changed to E-2A in 1962.
E-2A
Initial production version, was W2F-1 before 1962.
TE-2A
Two E-2As converted as crew trainers.
YC-2A
Two E-2As converted as prototypes of the C-2 Greyhound
E-2B
As E-2A but fitted with improved computing, enlarged outer fins. Conversions from E-2A.
YE-2C
Two E-2As converted as E-2C prototypes.
E-2C
As the E-2B but with all new electronics, surveillance radar and search radar, 63 built. In "plus-models" the E-2C also has an upgraded power-plant.
E-2C Hawkeye 2000
It is an upgraded version of E-2C.
E-2D
Currently in flight test. It will feature an entirely new avionics suite, improved engines, a new "glass cockpit" and the ability to refuel in-flight. Initial Operational Capability (IOC) is expected in 2011.
E-2T
E-2C variant for Republic of China (Taiwan), with parts taken from retired E-2B(Bureau No# 151709, 151710, 151724, 152479) in order to please PRC and make it appear as a sale of 4 rebuilt E-2A/B. But they're at the same level as the E-2C Group II with APS-145 radar.[10][11][12]

[edit] Operators
French Navy Hawkeye aboard the French aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle.
An E-2C Hawkeye, attached to the Screwtops of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron VAW-123, performs a fly-by.
An E-2C Hawkeye of 111SQN Republic of Singapore Air Force.

Republic of China (Taiwan)

* Republic of China Air Force operates four E-2Ts and two E-2C Hawkeye 2000. The 4 E-2T had been approved to upgrade to Hawkeye 2000 standard for 250 million USD.[12][13][14]
o 2nd Early Warning Squadron ROCAF

Egypt

* Egyptian Air Force operates six aircraft, conversion to E-2 Hawkeye 2000 standard in progress, due to completion by end of 2008

France

* Aviation Navale
o 4 Flotille operates three E-2 2000, and is seeking a fourth.

Israel

* Israeli Air Force operated four aircraft until 1999.
o 192 Squadron IDFAF

Japan

* Japan Air Self-Defense Force
o 601 Hikotai JASDF operates 13 E-2C.

Mexico

* Mexican Navy operates three E-2C purchased from Israel.

Singapore

* Republic of Singapore Air Force
o 111 Squadron operates four E-2C.

United States

* United States Navy
o VAW-77 Night Wolfs (Navy Reserve Force Squadron)
o VAW-78 Fighting Escargot (Navy Reserve Force Squadron; defunct)
o VAW-88 Cottonpickers (Navy Reserve Force Squadron; defunct)
o VAW-110 Firebirds (Fleet Replacement Squadron; defunct)
o VAW-111 Graybirds (defunct)
o VAW-112 Golden Hawks
o VAW-113 Black Eagles
o VAW-114 Hormel Hawgs (defunct)
o VAW-115 Liberty Bells
o VAW-116 Sun Kings
o VAW-117 Wallbangers
o VAW-120 Greyhawks (Fleet Replacement Squadron)
o VAW-121 Bluetails
o VAW-122 Steeljaws (defunct)
o VAW-123 Screwtops
o VAW-124 Bear Aces
o VAW-125 Tigertails
o VAW-126 Seahawks
o VAW-127 Seabats (defunct)

* United States Coast Guard
o CGAW-1[15] (Defunct)

[edit] Specifications (E-2C)
E-2C Hawkeye 0014.svg

General characteristics

* Crew: 5 (2 pilots, 3 naval flight officers - combat information center officer, air control officer, radar operator)
* Length: 57 ft 7 in (17.56 m)
* Wingspan: 80 ft 7 in (24.58 m)
* Height: 18 ft 4 in (5.58 m)
* Wing area: 700 ft² (65 m²)
* Empty weight: 37,678 lb (17,090 kg)
* Loaded weight: 55,000 lb (23,391 kg)
* Max takeoff weight: 55,000 lb (23,391 kg)
* Powerplant: 2× Allison T56-A-425 or -427 turboprop, 5100 shp (-427) (3,800 kW) each

Performance

* Maximum speed: 375 mph (604 km/h)
* Range: 1,605 mi (2,583 km)
* Service ceiling: 30,800 ft (9,300 m)
* Rate of climb: 2,515 ft/min (13 m/s)
* Wing loading: 72.7 lb/ft² (355 kg/m²)
* Power/mass: 0.19 hp/lb (0.32 kW/kg)

[edit] See also

Related development

* E-1 Tracer
* C-2 Greyhound

Comparable aircraft

* Fairey Gannet
* Yakovlev Yak-44
* E-3 Sentry
* KJ-200
* Airawat