The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye's Aerial Refuelling (AR) system has completed its critical design review (CDR) conducted by the US Navy and Northrop Grumman, it was announced on 30 June.
Northrop Grumman is designing, developing, manufacturing and testing sub-system upgrades for adding the AR capability to its E-2D Hawkeye tactical airborne early warning aircraft under an engineering, manufacturing and development (EMD) contract awarded in 2013.
With the completion of the CDR, the programme is now ready to move on to the build/test phase. Once it is ready for service, the AR system will be retrofitted onto E-2D aircraft already in operation and installed in new production aircraft.
The developmental AR sub-system and flight test instrumentation will be installed onto E-2D test aircraft from the second quarter of FY2016. Flight testing for the test aircraft will then commence in FY2017. The system is expected to achieve initial operational capability in FY2020.
Capt. John Lemmon, program manager, E-2/C-2 airborne tactical data system program office (PMA-231), US Navy, said: 'The AR team continues to put outstanding effort into bringing this much needed capability to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. Aerial refuelling will enable the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye to provide longer on-station times at greater ranges.'
Jane Bishop, vice president, E-2/C-2 programs, Northrop Grumman, said: 'Achieving this critical milestone moves the programme one step closer to fielding this much needed capability to the warfighter.'
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