E-2D Advanced Hawkeye enters full-rate production

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft will move into full-rate production following the award of a $617 million contract to Northrop Grumman by the US Navy for five full-rate production Lot 1 aircraft.

The award marks a significant milestone for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye programme. The aircraft first flew in 2007, and the US Navy expects to achieve Initial Operational Capability in 2015. 

So far in the programme, Northrop Grumman has delivered ten new production E-2Ds to the US Navy, and an additional ten aircraft are currently in various stages of manufacturing and pre-delivery flight testing at the company's St. Augustine facility.

Bart LaGrone, vice president, E-2/C-2 programs, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, said: ‘Moving from low-rate production into full-rate production is a significant milestone for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye programme. We look forward to manufacturing and delivering a mature and effective airborne early warning, battle management, command and control system.

‘We've got the right people and processes in place to make a seamless transition into full-rate production. With the navy's E-2D programme of record at 75 aircraft, full-rate production enables the production of the remaining 55 aircraft over the next 10 years and provides the opportunity for a cost-effective, multiyear procurement.’

Capt. John S. Lemmon, program manager, E-2/C-2 Airborne Tactical Data System Program Office (PMA-231), added: ‘Attaining E-2D full-rate production is the culmination of years of hard work. The E-2D team continues to work together with one vision and goal - deliver a solid product to the fleet.’