Northrop Grumman to update US Navy E-2 Hawkeyes with new flight and mission equipment

An E-2D Hawkeye prepares to land and be received by the Greyhawks of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 120 on 9 September 2019 at Naval Station Norfolk. This is the first E-2D Hawkeye with aerial refuelling capability to join the fleet, increasing the US Navy's battlespace awareness and integrated fire control, both from the air and the sea. (US Navy)

The US Navy (USN) awarded Northrop Grumman an USD845 million contract to update the E-2D Hawkeye to Delta System Software Configuration 6 (DSSC 6) on 12 September. DSSC 6 is intended to replace the E-2D's current flight mission computer and cockpit displays.

The update is the “most significant change to this platform since the E-2D rolled out”, Captain Pete Arrobio, commander of the USN's E-2 programme office, said in a statement.

“Essentially, with the changes and upgrades with DSSC 6, this will be an E-2D ‘Block II', which will reduce pilot workload, improve situational awareness, and bring vital readiness and reliability upgrades paired with architecture and cyber-security improvements,” Capt Arrobio added.

The upgrade includes the Hawkeye Cockpit Technology Refrech (HECTR) and Theater Combat ID. HECTR is to replace the control display units, flight displays, and flight computers with modern integrated displays, Northrop Grumman told Janes on 4 October. Theater Combat ID is to replace the mission computer and tactical operator displays with newer versions. Rockwell Collins will supply the HECTR equipment, while General Dynamics was selected to build the new mission computer, the USN told Janes on 6 October.

Besides updating cockpit and mission systems, the equipment installed in DSSC 6 is intended to be compatible with independent third-party software and equipment. The new mission systems are further intended to “aid 6th-generation command and control”, according to the USN.