U.S. Navy’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft achieves Initial Operational Capability

: Posted On Saturday, 18 October 2014 11:02

Naval Forces News - USA

U.S. Navy’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft achieves Initial Operational Capability

The Airborne Command Control and Logistics Wing announced Oct. 16 that the latest variant of the E-2 aircraft, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, achieved Initial Operational Capability Oct. 10. IOC signifies that the first operational squadron, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125, is manned, trained, equipped and ready to start deployment preparation with E-2D aircraft.

The U.S. Navy announced that the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye achieved Initial Operational Capability Oct. 10. IOC signifies that the first operational squadron, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125, is manned, trained, equipped and ready to start deployment preparation. The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye joins the E-2C in providing its airborne early warning, command and control capability to the carrier strike group. (U.S. Navy photo)

“The E-2D can detect smaller targets, at longer ranges, over water, in littoral areas, and over land in dense clutter environments, giving significant increases in flexibility and situational awareness to the warfighter beyond the capabilities of previous variants of the Hawkeye,” said Capt. John Lemmon, E-2/C-2 Airborne Tactical Data System Program Office (PMA-231) program manager.

The Navy has relied upon E-2 aircraft and aircrew since 1964, when the first E-2 Hawkeye was delivered to VAW-11. In honor of 50 years of service and continued technological advancement, PMA-231 has designated 2014 the “Year of the Hawkeye.”

“As an E-2 pilot of 24 years, I’ve experienced firsthand the benefit these aircraft bring to the fleet,” Lemmon said.

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is the newest variant of the E-2 aircraft platform. It features a state-of-the-art radar and upgraded aircraft systems that improve supportability and increase readiness. The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye joins the F/A-18 and EA-18G Growler to comprise the future carrier flight deck, continuing the Navy’s integrated warfighting legacy.

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, along with the E-2C, provides command and control capability to coordinate multiple missions, including air warfare, strike warfare, surface warfare and search and rescue operations. Acting as a “digital quarterback,” the E-2D scans the environment with its onboard sensors and processes this data with its tactical mission computer. It distributes the tactical picture to command centers and other assets through onboard communication subsystems. The Navy also utilizes this capability to participate in humanitarian and disaster relief operations.