First aerial refuelling-capable E-2D Advanced Hawkeye joins US fleet

The US Navy (USN) has begun to introduce aerial refuelling-capable E-2D Advanced Hawkeye carrier-borne airborne early warning and control aircraft to the fleet.

The first aerial refuelling-capable E-2D Advanced Hawkeye carrier-borne airborne early warning and control aircraft was delivered to VAW 120 on 9 September. (US Navy)

A first suitably modified E-2D aircraft – BuNo 169066 – landed at Naval Station Norfolk on 9 September, officially marking the arrival of this upgraded aircraft in the USN. The aircraft has joined Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 120 to begin training instructor pilots and conduct air-to-air refuelling with a number of different USN and US Air Force aircraft.

The E-2D is planned to achieve initial operational capability with aerial refuelling capability in fiscal year (FY) 2020, with the capability incorporated in the DSSC-3AR system build. All E-2D aircraft already in the fleet will eventually be retrofitted with the aerial refuelling system.

VAW-120 is a Fleet Replacement Squadron attached to the Airborne Command & Control and Logistics Wing. The navy plans to transition two operational fleet squadrons to aerial refuelling-capable E-2Ds by 2020.

The ability to refuel in-flight will provide the E-2D with extended persistence and increased flexibility through greater range and endurance. Changes to the E-2D air vehicle include adding the fixed-fuel probe and associated plumbing, fuel system enhancements, exterior formation lighting, long-endurance seats, and flight control software and hardware changes.