AEW&C Aircraft
Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
The Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is a carrier-capable airborne early warning and control aircraft made in the United States, in US Navy service since 2014. It is the fourth-generation Hawkeye and is also flown by Japan.
United States|Northrop GrummanWhat Is the Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye? Overview, History and Development
The E-2D first flew on 3 August 2007 and reached initial operating capability with the US Navy in October 2014. Its main sensor is the AN/APY-9 UHF electronically scanned array radar, and it supports cooperative engagement capability for Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air. Two Rolls-Royce T56-A-427A turboprops of 5,100 shp each give a top speed of about 648 km/h. A crew of five, two pilots and three systems officers, operates it, and a refuelling probe extends endurance beyond about six hours.
The US Navy plans about 86 E-2Ds, with 70 or more delivered by 2025. Japan operates it, with 13 planned, since 2020. France ordered three for the Charles de Gaulle, with deliveries around 2027. Taiwan operates the older E-2K, and Egypt, Singapore and Mexico use the E-2C. Unit cost is about US$200 to 250 million. Missions include carrier air wing early warning, ballistic missile defence cueing and strike coordination. It is not stealthy and relies on fighter escort.
Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Specifications: Speed, Range, Engines and Armament
Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Variants and Versions Compared
The E-2D is the standard Advanced Hawkeye with the AN/APY-9 radar and new cockpit.
The E-2D AHE designation refers to the Advanced Hawkeye production standard used by the US Navy.
The E-2D with aerial refuelling refers to the version fitted with a probe from the fourth production lot onward.
Which Countries Use the Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye? Operators and Users
United States
JapanNorthrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How much does an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye cost?
An E-2D Advanced Hawkeye costs about US$200 to 250 million per aircraft, according to US Navy estimates. That is a program-level estimate.
How many E-2D Hawkeyes are there?
About 70 or more E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes had been delivered by 2025, with the US Navy planning about 86. Japan also flies the E-2D.
What does the E-2D Hawkeye do?
The Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye detects aircraft and missiles and directs fighters and ships from the air. It provides airborne early warning for carrier air wings and cues ballistic missile defence.
E-2D vs E-3 Sentry: what is the difference?
The E-2D is a smaller, carrier-based aircraft, while the E-3 Sentry is a larger land-based aircraft with a bigger radar and range. The E-2D’s radar uses a UHF electronically scanned array.
Which countries use the E-2D Hawkeye?
The United States and Japan operate the E-2D, and France has ordered three. Taiwan, Egypt, Singapore and Mexico use older E-2 variants.
Do Türkiye or Arab countries use the E-2D?
No, Türkiye operates Boeing 737 AEW&C aircraft, and Egypt uses the earlier E-2C. No Arab country operates the E-2D. Türkiye’s early-warning aircraft are Boeing 737 AEW&C models known as Peace Eagle, and Egypt’s E-2C fleet is the older Hawkeye generation.