Northrop Grumman is now “deep into the development, test and evaluation aspect” of its E-2D Advanced Hawkeye programme, the company reported at the show.
As of late May, it had completed 85% of ground testing and 38% – 369 hours – of flight testing, according to Captain Thomas Carroll of US Navy Naval Air Systems.

Initial operational capacity is on track for 2011. Two E-2Ds are flying from Northrop Grumman’s St Augustine, Florida site with joint company and navy crews.

On one test flight in late May aircraft AA-2 took part in its first ‘live’ search and rescue (SAR) mission when it chanced on a sailing boat in distress off the Florida coast with damaged sails and a seized engine.

“The boat had managed to make contact with another aircraft but it was going off station. The Hawkeye crew took over the SAR duties, acting as a link with the ship and the Coast Guard. As they came off the test flight they were able to hand over to another aircraft – an Awacs – which took over contact with the boat,” says Carroll.

Talks are continuing with the United Arab Emirates on a potential order, with a decision on Foreign Military Sales expected next year. Discussions have also taken place with the UK on the possibility of E-2Ds being part of the air component of the Royal Navy’s planned two new-generation aircraft carriers.

Northrop Grumman has now done initial feasibility studies on wet outer wing panels for export customers who do not require the folding wing capability of US Navy carrier-borne aircraft.

That, plus in-flight refuelling, will give the Advanced Hawkeye greater endurance, which has led the company to look at installing upgraded galley facilities and a toilet for export aircraft – but not the US Navy. “Different cultures have different priorities,” says Carroll when asked why US Navy crews will not have the same in-flight amenities.

“What may be important to one nation is not important to another.”

Source: Flight International