Northrop Grumman is focussing on evolving threats in the Middle East as it continues discussions with the UAE Air Force regarding procurement of the E2-D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft.
Speaking to Military Technology at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi this week, company officials confirmed that discussions were ongoing with the air force in the UAE. However, details regarding numbers and procurement dates remain undisclosed.
Jerry Spruill, sector director for international capture leadership at Northrop Grumman, said: “We recognise the threats in the region and that operational conditions, the littoral land-sea interface and cruise missile threats, can all be addressed by the E2-D. It will be well suited for the region and threats.”
Meanwhile, the US Navy is working up plans ahead of the first operational deployment of its first E2-D fleet later this year. According to Scott Wiener, NAVAIR, E-2 International Program Development Lead, five E2-D aircraft will be deployed to an undisclosed area of operation on board the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier.
With squadron designation VAW-125, the Hawkeyes will deploy from Norfolk, Virginia with a six-month pre-deployment work up period testing tactics, techniques and procedures and interoperability with other air frames on board. Traditionally, the US Navy has deployed with just four E2-C aircraft with Wiener explaining how the additional aircraft would increase the value of persistent airborne radar coverage and persistent surveillance as part of the carrier group.
Referring to the difference between ‘C’ and ‘D’ models, he added how the upgraded radar allowed the navy to identify even smaller targets at lower altitudes in the “toughest of conditions”.
“In the littoral environment, the C-radar was not the optimal radar for the job. It was good for blue water operations but the D-radar has the same capability over both and can identify fast moving, low flying targets,” he said while describing how the C-radar comprised a mechanical system while the D-radar was both mechanical and electronic.
The US Navy is slated to procure a total of 75 E2-D aircraft as part of a multi-year contract, which Northrop Grumman described as a “vote of confidence” from Congress. Additionally, Japan selected to procure four E2-D platforms in November as part of an urgent operational requirement following escalation of tensions in Asia Pacific and particularly the South China Sea.
The E2-D comprises the AN/APY-9 radar, communications suite, mission computer, integrated SATCOM, flight management system, improved T56-A-427A engine and glass cockpit. Executives also revealed that an initial operational capability to conduct in-flight refuelling would be expected by 2020.
The APY-9 radar can identify stealth fighters as well as smaller aircraft with low-observable features and according to the US Navy, the E-2D could guide fleet weapons, such as AIM-120 AMRAAM and SM-6 missiles, onto targets beyond a launch platform's detection range or capabilities.
Speaking to Military Technology at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi this week, company officials confirmed that discussions were ongoing with the air force in the UAE. However, details regarding numbers and procurement dates remain undisclosed.
Jerry Spruill, sector director for international capture leadership at Northrop Grumman, said: “We recognise the threats in the region and that operational conditions, the littoral land-sea interface and cruise missile threats, can all be addressed by the E2-D. It will be well suited for the region and threats.”
Meanwhile, the US Navy is working up plans ahead of the first operational deployment of its first E2-D fleet later this year. According to Scott Wiener, NAVAIR, E-2 International Program Development Lead, five E2-D aircraft will be deployed to an undisclosed area of operation on board the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier.
With squadron designation VAW-125, the Hawkeyes will deploy from Norfolk, Virginia with a six-month pre-deployment work up period testing tactics, techniques and procedures and interoperability with other air frames on board. Traditionally, the US Navy has deployed with just four E2-C aircraft with Wiener explaining how the additional aircraft would increase the value of persistent airborne radar coverage and persistent surveillance as part of the carrier group.
Referring to the difference between ‘C’ and ‘D’ models, he added how the upgraded radar allowed the navy to identify even smaller targets at lower altitudes in the “toughest of conditions”.
“In the littoral environment, the C-radar was not the optimal radar for the job. It was good for blue water operations but the D-radar has the same capability over both and can identify fast moving, low flying targets,” he said while describing how the C-radar comprised a mechanical system while the D-radar was both mechanical and electronic.
The US Navy is slated to procure a total of 75 E2-D aircraft as part of a multi-year contract, which Northrop Grumman described as a “vote of confidence” from Congress. Additionally, Japan selected to procure four E2-D platforms in November as part of an urgent operational requirement following escalation of tensions in Asia Pacific and particularly the South China Sea.
The E2-D comprises the AN/APY-9 radar, communications suite, mission computer, integrated SATCOM, flight management system, improved T56-A-427A engine and glass cockpit. Executives also revealed that an initial operational capability to conduct in-flight refuelling would be expected by 2020.
The APY-9 radar can identify stealth fighters as well as smaller aircraft with low-observable features and according to the US Navy, the E-2D could guide fleet weapons, such as AIM-120 AMRAAM and SM-6 missiles, onto targets beyond a launch platform's detection range or capabilities.