Northrop Grumman has won a $408 million contract to produce the next three E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft for the U.S. Navy from 2007 to 2010.
The first E-2D development aircraft is slated to fly late this summer, with the second scheduled for its first flight before year’s end. This contract follows the $2 billion system development and demonstration contract awarded in 2003.
Tom Vice, a Northrop Grumman executive, said the Navy plans to procure at least 75 E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes, all to be built at Northrop Grumman's facility in St. Augustine, Fla. First deliveries are scheduled for 2010.
E-2D will feature the Lockheed Martin APY-9 radar and a new rotodome offers 360-degree scanning of smaller targets at extended ranges, including cruise missiles.
Other upgrades include improved radar operator workstations, integrated satellite communications and electronic cockpit displays that allow the co-pilot to assist with mission system operations.

Un saludo.