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An E-2D Hawkeye assigned to the 'Tiger Tails' of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125 launches off the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Source: US Navy
The US Navy's (USN's) new Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft has begun its maiden deployment, the service disclosed on 13 March.
Five E-2Ds assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW)-125 'Tiger Tails' are operating as part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). The Theodore Roosevelt departed its homeport in Norfolk, Virginia, for an around-the-world deployment on 11 March.
The E-2D is the latest variant of the Hawkeye carrier-based AEW&C aircraft that has been in US naval service since the mid-1960s. Improvements on the legacy platforms include the more powerful Lockheed Martin AN/APY-9 radar that is designed to provide 360° coverage against hostile aircraft and cruise missiles.
The USN is also integrating an in-flight refuelling capability into the E-2D, giving it greater range and endurance. The first aircraft with the refuelling capability is expected to be ready around 2019, and all aircraft will be retrofitted with the system.
The navy's E-2D programme of record is for 75 aircraft (of which 50 are under contract). As of January 2015, 16 of these aircraft had been delivered. Deliveries are set to be complete by 2025, with the 61 E-2Cs in the USN's inventory being phased out of service from 2017.
E-2D begins debut deployment - IHS Jane's 360