Northrop Grumman Corporation reported that it has successfully passed a government-led critical design review for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye's Block II upgrade, a milestone the company says clears the way to begin integration and testing of the program's most significant enhancement to date.
With the review finished, Northrop Grumman said it will move immediately into Block II integration and testing activities. The company also reiterated a commitment to deliver Block II-equipped aircraft by the end of the decade.
The Block II modernization covers changes to both the mission system's software and hardware. Northrop Grumman described the approach as modular and noted the use of commercial off-the-shelf products, a strategy intended to help contain costs and support longer-term fleet maintenance and future modernization efforts.
Northrop Grumman will not only incorporate the Block II configuration into its active production line for newly built E-2D aircraft but will also perform retrofits on aircraft already in the fleet.
Janice Zilch, vice president and program manager for E-2D Advanced Hawkeye at Northrop Grumman, commented on the program's progress, saying: "Completing the Block II critical design review reflects the dedication and expertise of our team and partners. This upgrade strengthens the E-2D's suite of capabilities, enhancing situational awareness, reducing crew workload and paving the way for future technology. We are continuing to deliver unmatched capability at speed to the U.S. Navy and our international partners."
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye serves as an airborne early warning command and control platform designed for airborne early warning and battle management missions. The program supports more than 4,000 jobs at 411 companies across 40 U.S. states.
Summary of developments
- Critical design review completed under government leadership, enabling integration and testing to start immediately.
- Block II changes span both software and hardware, built with a modular open systems approach and commercial off-the-shelf parts to support cost and sustainment goals.
- Block II will be added to the active production line and retrofitted into the existing fleet, with deliveries targeted by the end of the decade.