Paul Lewis/WASHINGTON DC
The US Navy is evaluating a range of sensor and avionic enhancements to further extend the Northrop Grumman E-2C Hawkeye's operational life, as plans for a replacement Common Support Aircraft (CSA) remain stalled.
"Future Hawkeye" is a follow-on package of proposed improvements to the latest Hawkeye 2000 configuration, which the USN is introducing. The upgrade options under study represent an evolution that could sustain the carrier-based E-2C airborne early warning (AEW) system to 2015 and beyond.
The USN is expected to decide shortly on a new electronic support measures system to replace the current Litton ALR-73. "For the last couple of years we've been looking at alternatives and we've now come up with something more refined," says Kenneth Tripp, Northrop Grumman AEW business manager. The company claims to have broadened frequency coverage, improved emitter classification capability and cut weight by 70%.
Flight testing of a Raytheon infrared search and track (IRST) sensor mounted in the nose of a modified Group 2 E-2C will start in October.
The 320km (200nm)- plus range optical sensor, would give the aircraft a ballistic missile defence capability, enhanced discrimination of multiple targets and overland height determination. Northrop Grumman hopes to fuse IRST and radar data to provide a composite track.
The company, with an unidentified partner, is funding an improved E-2C radar that includes an electronic scanning capability. This will enhance small target detection and tracking in littoral warfare environments without any change to the E-2's 7.5m (24ft) diameter dorsal rotodome. "Our intent is to do some kind of demonstration in the 2001-02 timeframe," Tripp says.
The manufacturer also plans a second demonstration to the USN in August of its proposed tactical cockpit. Aside from giving the aircraft a full glass cockpit displaying flight and navigation information, the additional 15x20cm (6x8in) display could show mission data and allow the copilot to serve as a fourth tactical operator.
The USN is due shortly to place an order for 21 new-build Hawkeye 2000 aircraft, extending production to 2006.
Northrop Grumman is keen to promote development of the E-2C and derivative C-2A Greyhound carrier on-board delivery aircraft as affordable alternatives to the estimated $5-10 billion cost of developing a new CSA platform.
"It makes the most sense to use a hot production line," says Dennis Ramano, Northrop Grumman business strategy vice-president.
Northrop Grumman has launched a structural fatigue test of the C-2 to extend the type's airframe lifespan from 10,000h to 15,000h. Re-engining the E-2/C-2 platform with turbofan engines is also under consideration.
Source: Flight International
