Grumman E-2 Hawkeye

https://news.northropgrumman.com/ne...d-mission-solutions-for-e-2d-advanced-hawkeye
MELBOURNE, Fla. – Oct. 3, 2023 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) was awarded a contract by the U.S. Navy to evolve the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye cockpit and computing architecture with Delta System Software Configuration 6 (DSSC 6) through 2028.
  • DSSC 6 modernization includes Hawkeye Cockpit Technology Refresh and Theater Combat ID.
  • Once fielded, the new open mission systems architecture of DSSC 6 will enable rapid integration of new capabilities, including non-proprietary applications from industry partners.
  • Entire Navy fleet will be retrofitted with updated cockpit, navigation technologies and mission systems, beginning in 2029 and throughout the 2030s.
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F.L. said:
Has the Hawkeye ever been tested with a ski jump ?
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From earlier in this thread, it's definitely been studied.

Post in thread 'Grumman E-2 Hawkeye' https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/grumman-e-2-hawkeye.22239/post-518551

Having done some more research, it looks like the 1980s testing by the USN only involved the T-2C, F-14, and F/A-18. Studies were done later that included the E-2C, but it seems like this was probably not tested in practice.

https://engagingstrategy.blogspot.com/2021/12/jumping-off-deck-operation-of.html?m=1
 
How many E-2Cs does the USN have in the Boneyard? Because if there are any and they're surplus to requisition they'd make an excellent addition to the Ukrainian airforce (After flight and grew crews had been trained)?
 
An interesting bit from the late interview by the Senate Armed Committee of the Trump admin nominee for SecNav:

Screenshot_20250305_092256.jpg

So, might also have a link with the refueling tests done above.
 

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TomcatViP said:
An interesting bit from the late interview by the Senate Armed Committee of the Trump admin nominee for SecNav:

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So, might also have a link with the refueling tests done above.
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Phelan was particularly impressive in confirmation hearings. He's a smart man and obviously had a long term interest in naval affairs because that level of understanding comes from years of study, not short term preparation. Phelan might be the most influential SECNAV since Lehman in the 1980s. And I mean that in a good way.
 
A French E-2C has recently been equipped with L22, apparently a world first on this type of aircraft.

--> https://lemarin.ouest-france.fr/def...mondiale-58043f8e-f819-11ef-b38f-dff807deb5c8
One of the "Charles de Gaulle" Hawkeye aircraft equipped with L22 technology, a world first

The new tactical data link L22, which flies for the first time on one of the precious Hawkeye accompanying the French aircraft carrier group, makes it possible to share data between the radar aircraft and other aircraft and equipped ships.
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While looking up some additional information, I came across a contract notice that had just been issued for fitting an L22 Data Link Processor onto an E-2D

--> https://lacentraledesmarches.com/ma...-au-profit-de-l-AIA-de-Cuers-Pierrefeu/415479
Description: Supply of one or more software modules constituting a Data Link Processor (DLP), enabling a host Tactical Data System (TDS) to operate and manage the Link 22 (L22) network and handle the associated tactical message flows, as well as support for the integration of this module within the TDS. This DLP is intended to be integrated into the mission system of the French Navy’s E-2D Hawkeye aircraft. The L22 DLP must be capable of serving as the Super Network Management Unit (SNMU) for the L22 network with all associated functions. For information, the contract will cover the following services: supply of an integrable L22 DLP module and integration support tools, supply of documentation related to the L22 DLP, and three years of in-service support (ISS) for the L22 DLP module. Internal reference: 25067IB00P000.
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I understand that the 3 French E-2D were procured through FMS, which would explain why they were not delivered with Link 22 as standard, since France apparently became the first country to deploy Link 22 on a Hawkeye in 2025.

But why hasn’t Link 22 already been deployed on US E-2C/Ds?
 
Titus K said:
But why hasn’t Link 22 already been deployed on US E-2C/Ds?
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The E-2D's datalink spec ( Link 11 and 16 ) must have been signed-off around 2005 at the latest. From public sources, Link 22 only really became concrete in the mid-teens.
 
NMaude said:
Aside from the obvious numerical difference;)?
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Frequency for a start. Link 22 is essentially an enhanced link 11 and both operate in HF and UHF (I believe lower end of the range) frequency ranges while Link 16 straddles 1GHz or so. The lower frequencies allow Link 11/22 to go BLOS. Link 11 was designed for ship to ship network communications and Link 22 just enhances that and makes the message formats more compatible with Link 16.
 
French Rafale M, A330 MRTT, A400M have now refueled US E-2D Hawkeyes

https://www.navair.navy.mil/news/US...nds-Advanced-Hawkeyes-reach/Thu-09252025-0640
This summer, the French Navy and Air Force conducted qualitative aerial refueling testing with French Rafale, MRTT and A400M tankers as a part of a collaborative effort between the E-2/C-2 Airborne Command & Control Systems Program Office (PMA-231) and France’s Direction Générale de l’Armement.

US, French in-flight refueling extends Advanced Hawkeye’s reach​

Published:
Sep 25, 2025
NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, Patuxent River, Md.
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The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (AHE) achieved a breakthrough in global airpower this summer, successfully refueling mid-air from three French-made tankers – a historic first that dramatically extends the Advanced Hawkeye's reach and for seamless joint operations while providing unprecedented airborne surveillance capabilities.
The French Navy and Air Force conducted qualitative aerial refueling testing with French Rafale, MRTT and A400M tankers as a part of a collaborative effort between the E-2/C-2 Airborne Command & Control Systems Program Office (PMA-231) and France’s procurement agency, known as Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA).
DGA and the French Navy will continue additional aerial refueling testing and pilot training in France as they replace their E-2Cs beginning in 2028. France became the second international customer of the E-2D AHE in December 2020, procuring three French variant E-2D aircraft from the U.S. Navy.
The E-2D AHE represents a two-generation leap in technology compared to its predecessor, the E-2C Hawkeye. The aircraft features a 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.
With the addition of aerial refueling capabilities, the E-2D remains the most advanced command and control platform in the world. Aerial refueling increases the range and endurance of the platform, and enhances its ability to provide continuous, long-range surveillance and battlefield management.

This summer, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye successfully completed aerial refueling testing with three French tankers - Rafale, MRTT and A400M; a historic first that dramatically extends the Advanced Hawkeye's reach and for seamless joint operations while providing unprecedented airborne surveillance capabilities.
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Could a future Hawkeye replacement use a smaller version of Northrop Grumman's MESA, used on the Wedgetail?
 
Lc89 said:
Could a future Hawkeye replacement use a smaller version of Northrop Grumman's MESA, used on the Wedgetail?
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Different size, different frequency band, different requirements.
 
The empennage for the first french E-2D was delivered in November last year by Potez.

https://www.potez.com/la-premiere-livraison-dempennage-pour-le-programme-e-2d-advanced-hawkeye/

On November 20, our Aire-sur-l'Adour site was the scene of a highlight for Potez Aéronautique: the first delivery of empennage for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye program for the Marine Nationale.

This achievement illustrates more than thirty years of industrial cooperation with Northrop Grumman, a collaboration based on trust, performance and the constant pursuit of excellence. Together, we contribute to a strategic project that embodies technical mastery and innovation in the service of the armed forces.
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Triton said:
"The U.S. Navy’s Secret Counter-Stealth Weapon Could Be Hiding in Plain Sight"
by: Dave Majumdar
Published: June 9, 2014 9:14 AM
Updated: June 9, 2014 9:15 AM
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We've known long wavelength radar detection since British used it in WWII.
A UK university in 2000 published a paper use cellphone signals to detect stealth,
portable battery powered cell towers erect digitally timed signal pulses or pre-existing network's cell output is timed. If a plane flies between two towers the momentary but noticeable drop signal output in pulses per second is registered, data from a low power network tiny signal antennas' mean propensity for stealth to disipate radar beams doesn't really matter. Theses aren't high power radar beams and their job isn't detection it's counting. Instead of using radar to detect the plane the system uses the Plane to determine whether they getting enough signal saturation. A snowfall effect; you cant determine if someone walked on your driveway, but it's covered in fresh layer of snow it's impossible to recover the tracks you make.
 
https://theaviationist.com/2026/08/19/block-ii-upgrades-for-e-2d-cdr/
The U.S. Navy’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft’s Block II upgrades have completed the Critical Design Review (CDR), Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Navy announced on Aug. 18, 2026. The Navy completed the CDF in May, but announced the milestone only now. Flight testing of the Block II-configured aircraft is scheduled to begin in Fiscal Year 2029.

This milestone follows a Jul. 22, 2026, U.S. Navy contract worth $1.2 billion awarded to Northrop Grumman for three E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes, which are scheduled for delivery by 2031. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), the contracting authority, initially obligated $583 million in FY2026 Navy aircraft procurement funds for the award.

The Block II upgrade introduces an open systems software architecture, an upgraded cockpit architecture, improved battlespace management, increased computing power and modular interfaces intended to support future upgrades. Northrop Grumman says the CDR has cleared the path for integration, testing and delivery of Block II-configured aircraft by 2030. Existing E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes will also receive the Block II upgrades.
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