Grumman E-2C Hawkeye

The Grumman E-2C Hawkeye is an American all-weather, aircraft carrier-based tactical Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft. The early E-2A and E-2B versions are no longer in service, todays Hawkeyes being to E-2C and E-2C+ standard. The Hawkeye is a vital cog in the carrier air wing system, provinding airborne control for the other members of the wing. Its primary role is to act as a forward radar station to defend the carrier battle group.

The APS-145 radar is the latest in a long series of E-2 radars. The radar sweeps a 3- million cubic mile evelope of airspace, while simultaneously plotting surface vessels. Up to 2,000 targets can be tracket on time.

The current version of the Hawkeye, the E-2C, became operational in 1973, and surpassed one million flight hours in August 2004.

Advanced Hawkeye (AHE)

Advanced Hawkeye (AHE), the newest variant of the E-2 aircraft platform, is currently in development and scheduled to be introduced to the Fleet in 2011. Using the E-2C Hawkeye 2000 configuration as a baseline, AHE will feature a state of the art radar with a two generation leap in capability and upgraded aircraft systems that will improve supportability and increase readiness. Key AHE program objectives include improved battle space target detection and situational awareness, support of Theater Air and Missile Defense (TAMD) operations, and improved Operational Availability. The AHE mission will be to provide advance warning of approaching enemy surface units, cruise missiles and aircraft, to vector interceptors or strike aircraft to attack, and to provide area surveillance, intercept, communications relay, search and rescue and strike and air traffic control. The AHE is intended to meet airborne early warning surveillance, battle management and TAMD needs as the Navy develops its Sea Power 21 concepts in support of Joint Vision 2020.

Variants

W2F-1 Original designation of the Hawkeye, changed to E-2A in 1962.

E-2A Initial production version, was W2F-1 before 1962.

TE-2A Two E-2As converted as crew trainers.

YC-2A Two E-2As converted as prototypes of the C-2 Greyhound

E-2B As E-2A but fitted with improved computing, enlarged outer fins. Conversions from E-2A.

YE-2C Two E-2As converted as E-2C prototypes.

E-2C As the E-2B but with all new electronics, surveillance radar and search radar, 63 built. In “plus-models” the E-2C also has an upgraded power-plant.

E-2C Hawkeye 2000? It is an upgraded version of E-2C.

E-2D Currently in flight test. It will feature an entirely new avionics suite, improved engines, a new “glass cockpit”?and the ability to refuel in-flight. Initial Operational Capability (IOC) is expected in 2011.

E-2T E-2C variant for Republic of China (Taiwan), with parts taken from retired E-2B, 4 rebuilt E-2A/B. But it’s E-2C Group II with APS-145 radar.

General characteristics E-2C

• Crew: 5 (2 pilots, 3 naval flight officers – combat information center officer, air control officer, radar operator)
• Length: 17.56 m (57 ft 7 in)
• Wingspan: 24.60 m (80 ft 7 in)
• Height: 5.58 m (18 ft?4 in)
• Wing area: 65 sq m (700 sq ft)
• Empty weight: 17,090 kg (37,678 lb)
• Loaded weight: 23,391 kg (55,000 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 23,391 kg (55,000 lb)
• Powerplant: 2 x Allison T56-A-425 or -427 turboprops, 4,800 shp (3,400 kW) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 604 km/h (375 mph) at 12,000 ft (3,660 m)
• Cruise speed: 465 km/h (251 knots, 289 mph) at 28,700 ft (8,750 m)
• Stall speed: 152 km/h (82 knots, 94 mph) at idle power
• Range: 2,583 km (1,400 nm,1,605 mi)
• Service ceiling: 10,210 m (33,500 ft)
• Rate of climb: 13.3 m/s (2,610 ft/min)
• Wing loading: 378.9 kg/sq m (77.6 lb/sq m)