The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye has been approved to enter full-rate production by the Office of the Secretary of Defense
Cobham provides high-power circulators, OBOGS, pedestal rotating
assemblies, RF cables, satellite communications equipment,
waveguides, and aircrew seat restraints and other aircrew-worn
safety and survivability gear for the US Navy E-2D Advanced
Hawkeye.

Image and article courtesy of
Northrop Grumman
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, designed and manufactured by Northrop
Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC), has been approved to enter
full-rate production by the Office of the Secretary of Defense
(OSD). This decision follows a report where the E-2D was declared
operationally suitable and effective, following a successful
10-month initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E)
conducted by the U.S. Navy.
"With the Navy's E-2D program of record at 75 aircraft, this
decision by OSD enables the production of the remaining 55 aircraft
over the next 10 years and provides the opportunity for a
cost-effective, multiyear procurement," said Bart LaGrone, vice
president, E-2/C-2 programs, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems.
"The entire Northrop Grumman-led E-2D industry team remains focused
on providing the most capable and cost-effective airborne early
warning and command and control solution to our customer."
"Our Navy and Northrop Grumman team continues to deliver on our
promises," said Capt. John S. Lemmon, E-2/C-2 Airborne Tactical
Data System Program Office (PMA-231) program manager. "I'm
confident we will meet our ultimate goal to provide a capable and
ready fleet with E-2Ds as we prepare for the first deployment in
2015."
Conducted by the U.S. Navy's Air Test and Evaluation Squadron
One, IOT&E is a rigorous phase of testing that every new system
undergoes to determine that it is operationally effective and
suitable for fleet introduction. A successful IOT&E is a key
factor leading to a successful full-rate production decision and is
a necessary step leading to a multiyear procurement.
LaGrone continued, "An operationally suitable and effective
rating confirms that the E-2D is a mature airborne early warning
and battle management, command and control system, capable of
providing critical force protection for carrier strike groups and
coalition forces."
To date, Northrop Grumman has delivered nine E-2Ds to the U.S.
Navy on or ahead of schedule, with another 11 aircraft in various
stages of manufacturing and pre-delivery flight testing. Initial
operational capability with the U.S. Navy remains on track for
2015.