Background

Versions

Deployments

General Characteristics

Image Gallery

End of page

The E-2C Hawkeye is the Navy's and Marine Corps' airborne surveillance and command-and-control platform, providing battle management and support of decisive power projection at sea and ashore in a joint operational architecture. In addition to current capabilities, the E-2C has an extensive upgrade and development program to prepare it as a critical element in an overall joint theater missile defense program. The Hawkeye is also used by the armed forces of Egypt, Israel and Japan.

Background:

Since the end of World War II the Navy conducted tests with "flying radar stations". These were mainly TBF-3W Avengers equipped with an APS-20 radar. Later, Grumman developed the E-1B Tracer. This was the first plane able to locate and to attack a target. During deployments the plane was not satisfactory and so Grumman started the development of a new plane, based on the E-1A. This resulted in the creation of the E-2A.

back to top

go to the end of the page

The different versions:

E-2 A:

The first flight of the first prototype of the E-2A (serial number 148147) took place on April 19, 1960. After successful tests with further prototypes, the serial production of the E-2A started with orders for 59 planes. The first of the ordered E-2s flew in autumn of 1962. In 1964, the first E-2As were delivered to the Navy. They deployed with VAW-111 aboard USS RANGER (CV 61) and USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63).
In 1965, this version of the E-2 started participating in the Vietnam War. The E-2A was equipped with the General Electric APS-96 radar.

In 1968, the development of two other versions started because some of the instruments aboard the E-2 A were not very reliable.

This resulted in the creation of the...

E-2B and the E-2C:

In 1967, 51 E-2As got the new AN/APS-120 radar and became E-2Bs. Two further E-2As were modified to prototypes of the E-2C. the first one flew on January 20, 1971. At the end of 1972 the serial production of the E-2C started. Some features of this version were the improved instruments and the more powerful engines.
The first E-2Cs deployed aboard USS SARATOGA (CV 60) in 1974.
Some years later, in 1982, Grumman was ordered to improve the E-2C again. The E-2C Update was created.
From 1985 on, 100 planes of the Update version were delivered to the Navy.
Both versions, the E-2B and the E-2C have installations for in-flight refueling.

To keep pace with changing tactical environments the E-2C's received two major upgrades: the E-2C Group II upgrade, and the Radar Modernization Program (RMP). The most advanced Hawkeye variant currently in production, the E-2C Group II, features:

 - Extended radar range (40 percent greater than previous E-2 aircraft)
 - Improved overland detection capability
 - Color displays
 - Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS), Global Positioning System (GPS), and voice satellite communications

The next upgrade, the Hawkeye 2000, will install a Mission Computer Upgrade (MCU) and Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC), and an improved Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system enhancing the E-2's capabilities in the multiple threat environment anticipated in the 21st century. The MCU will improve target detection and tracking, and enable the incorporation of CEC. In turn, CEC-equipped Hawkeyes - the E-2C is the first aircraft in the U.S. aviation arsenal to incorporate this system - will significantly extend the engagement capability of surface forces. The CEC-equipped Hawkeye is the key to early cueing of the Aegis Weapon System, dramatically extending the lethal range of the Standard Missile (SM-2).

The Radar Modernization Program is developing an advanced demonstration radar for the Hawkeye that will bring over-the-horizon, overland detection, and tracking to the battle group. This, coupled with CEC, will fully integrate the Hawkeye into the Theater Ballistic Missile and Cruise Missile Defense (TBMD/CMD) role. This advanced tracking capability, in conjunction with the Aegis and upgraded Standard Missiles (SM-2 Block IVA and SM-3), will allow the battle group to deploy an organic, theater-wide cruise missile and theater ballistic missile defense umbrella for protection of high-priority defended areas and U.S. and coalition forces. Additionally, the E-2's systems are fully interoperable with the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) and ground-based systems for a seamless transition to a full joint architecture.

To help the Landing Signal Officers (LSO) aboard the carriers to properly identify the different versions of the E-2C during the approach the planes have special markings on their noses (for example the white "+" or "II"). This is necessary because the different groups of the E-2C have individual landing characteristics.

back to top

go to the end of the page

back to top

go to the end of the page

back to top

go to the end of the page

Deployments of the E-2C Hawkeye:

Carrier-based E-2C Hawkeyes directed F-14 Tomcat fighters flying combat air patrol during the two-carrier battle group joint strike against terrorist-related Libyan targets in 1986. E-2Cs and AEGIS cruisers, working together, provided total air mass superiority over the American fleet.
More recently, E-2Cs provided the command and control for successful operations during the Persian Gulf War, directing both land attack and combat air patrol missions over Iraq and providing control for the shoot-down of two Iraqi MIG-21 aircraft by carrier-based F/A-18s in the early days of the war.
E-2 aircraft also have worked extremely effectively with U.S. law enforcement agencies in drug interdictions.

back to top

go to the end of the page

back to top

go to the end of the page

back to top

go to the end of the page

E-2 Hawkeye Image Gallery:

back to top

BACK to last page.

Back to aircraft list.

Back to selection page.

Back to 1^st page.