Six decades of active service have been logged by the E-2 Hawkeye. The Northrop Grumman-built E-2 is capable of operating in all weather conditions and from aircraft carrier decks to provide tactical airborne early warning. Designed in the 1950s, the Hawkeye took its maiden flight in 1960 and entered service in 1964.
And today, remarkably, the E-2 is still in production; the E-2 has remained in production since 1960, making the Hawkeye the longest-produced carrier-based aircraft ever.
The E-2 Hawkeye: A Legacy of Early Warning
Designed to replace the E-1 Tracer, the E-2 was the first aircraft ever built from scratch specifically for airborne early warning. Before the E-2, airborne early warning aircraft were modified from existing platforms, underscoring that AEW was not a primary consideration.
Distinctive for its humming engines, the E-2 earned the nickname “Hummer.” Amidst carrier decks populated by jet-engine-equipped aircraft like the F/A-18 and F-35, the E-2’s unique humming engine sets it apart.
Though the E-2 has been a workhorse success, its initial design process was challenging. The US Navy’s demands for data integration with the Naval Tactical Data System and carrier landings posed significant challenges, especially considering the carrier technology of the 1950s.
Despite sizing constraints due to the era’s carrier dimensions, the finished E-2 Hawkeye featured high wings, Allison T56 turboprop engines, retractable tricycle landing gear, and a tail hook for carrier landings. However, the most distinctive feature is the 24-foot diameter rotating radar dome, or rotodome, housing the E-2’s long-range radar and IFF system.
A Space-Saving Innovator
Unlike other rotodome-equipped aircraft land-based, the E-2 stands as the only carrier-based airplane with a rotodome. To save space, the E-2 features a Sto-Wing that folds when not in use. A five-person crew operates the E-2, including a pilot, co-pilot, combat information center officer, air control officer, and radar operator.
Despite its enduring service, the E-2 faced challenges upon entering service in 1964, notably an inadequate cooling system causing avionics overheating. Fleet grounding was necessary due to the severity of the issue. Upgrades and improvements, particularly to onboard computer systems, led to the E-2B variant, renowned for its reliability.
