According to information published by Northrop Grumman on January 24, 2022, the firm successfully delivered the 51st U.S. Navy E-2D Advanced Hawkeye production aircraft, AA-52.
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E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft (Picture source: Northrop Grumman)
The E-2D AHE, produced by Northrop Grumman, represents a two-generation leap in technology compared to its predecessor, the E-2C Hawkeye. The aircraft features state-of-the-art radar and upgraded aircraft systems that improve supportability and increase readiness.
The centerpiece of the E-2D AHE is the APY-9 radar system, designed specifically to provide enhanced surveillance detection and tracking capability against advanced threat aircraft and cruise missile systems in the overland, littoral, and open ocean environments.
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is a high-wing airplane powered by two Rolls-RoyceT56-A-427A turboprop engines mounted on each wing and retractable tricycle landing gear. As with most carrier-borne airplanes, the E-2D is equipped with a tailhook for recovery (landing), and the nose gear can attach to a shuttle of the aircraft carrier's catapults for launch (takeoff).
The aircraft also uses the Grumman Sto-Wing folding wing system for carrier storage. A distinguishing feature of the Hawkeye is its 24-foot (7.3 m) diameter rotating radar dome that is mounted above its fuselage and wings.
