The Navy has entered into its fourth phase of low-rate initial production (LRIP) on the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, a key aircraft designed for communications and battlespace awareness.
Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) awarded manufacturer Northrop Grumman [NOC] a $781.5-million modification this week to a previously awarded contract to build five of the planes under LRIP. The work is set for completion in May 2015.
The Advanced Hawkeye is the latest variant of the E-2 airplane that the Navy says will feature a two-generation leap in radar capability for its command and control mission that includes coordinating airborne strike, land support and support for drug interdiction and rescue operations.
The Navy gave Northrop Grumman a $761-million contract in August for the LRIP 3 production run, which was also for five E-2Ds.
The Advanced Hawkeye conducted its first flight in fiscal 2007. The Navy plans to buy 73 of the aircraft through 2022.
The E-2Ds are undergoing into initial operational testing and evaluation at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., beginning this month, with full-rate production scheduled for 2012. The Navy plans to insert them into the fleet in fiscal 2015, according to NAVAIR.