Full-scale development of the Northrop Grumman Advanced Hawkeye has slipped into next year as the US Navy works to finalise the requirement and programme schedule. Advanced Hawkeye is due to replace all USN E-2C airborne early warning (AEW) platforms with 75 new aircraft from 2010.
Northrop Grumman has been working on preliminary system development and demonstration (SDD) since late last year and had been expecting to transition into full SDD next month. The intent now is to award a contract in the second or third quarter of next year, with the aim of making a first flight in 2007-08 ahead of an initial operational capability by fiscal year 2011, according to Capt Bob LaBelle, USN E-2/C-2 programme manager.
"Ultimately, Advanced Hawkeye will replace all of the E-2Cs, including Hawkeye 2000s, but we'll start with the Group 2 aircraft first," LaBelle says. Production is likely to see an acceleration on today's four E-2Cs a year. Northrop Grumman says it can triple output, while the USN suggests a likely annual purchase of eight aircraft.
Advanced Hawkeye will marry the Hawkeye 2000's modernised mission computer, displays, electronic support measures and co-operative engagement capability with a new glass cockpit and space-time adaptive electronically steerable array. The system will be not be retrofittable to Hawkeye 2000, production of which is likely to be extended beyond the 21 now on order, to keep the line active until Advanced Hawkeye work starts.
The USN estimates SDD will cost $2.1 billion, but this excludes an engine to replace the Rolls-Royce T56-A-427 now under study (Flight International, 24-30 September). Separate funding covers a surveillance infrared search and track system, enhanced ESM and a possible follow-on fixed, rather than rotating, UHF electronically steered array.
A modified Lockheed Martin NC-130H is due to fly this month as an Advanced Hawkeye testbed. TheNC-130His equipped with the new antenna. The main objective is to collect and record digital radar data, but it may later be modified to include tactical displays, says LaBelle.
Source: Flight International
