GRAHAM WARWICK / WASHINGTON DC
Northrop Grumman finally wins $1.9 billion contract for US Navy AEW&C aircraft
Northrop Grumman has received the long-awaited contract to begin full development of the Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft for the US Navy. The $1.9 billion system development and demonstration (SDD) contract includes two new-build aircraft for operational testing beginning in 2007.
Advanced Hawkeye has a new UHF radar developed by Lockheed Martin, with Northrop Grumman supplying the multiple solid-state transmitters and Raytheon the receivers. The radar has an electronically scanned array in the existing rotodome, which can be stopped to "stare" at one sector, increasing range, says AEW&C team lead Tom Williams. Lockheed Martin's SDD contract is worth $413.5 million.
The new radar has greater detection range over land and water, with significantly improved performance against ground clutter. "The radar can track cruise missiles against background clutter," says Williams. Time-adaptive processing uses time delays in the radar signal to provide a three-dimensional picture of the clutter, making it easier to see small targets.
Advanced Hawkeye also has a new mission computer and flat-panel cockpit displays that allow the pilot or co-pilot to function as a fourth mission operator.
An expanded communications suite includes additional satellite communication, multiple ARC-210 radios with MIDS tactical datalink and the more compact Block 2 Combat Engagement Capability sensor datalink. Advanced Hawkeye will be the US Navy's lead platform for the Joint Tactical Radio System, which will replace the ARC-210s, says Williams.
Power and cooling is increased. Rolls-Royce T57-427 engines are retained, with the eight-blade propellers developed for the Hawkeye 2000, and the USN has the option to install full-authority digital engine control, says Williams. Maximum take-off weight increases to over 26,000kg (57,000lb), from around 24,000kg, and the Advanced Hawkeye has a redesigned fuselage centre section, Williams says.
The US Navy plans to procure 75 new-build Advanced Hawkeyes, beginning with four pilot production aircraft for operational evaluation in 2011.
Production is planned to ramp up to eight aircraft a year, leading to full operational capability between 2015 and 2017.
Northrop Grumman is building 21 Hawkeye 2000s for the US Navy under a multi-year contract, and is negotiating for another seven to close the gap until Advanced Hawkeye production begins, says Williams.
Source: Flight International
