The Navy recently awarded Northrop Grumman [NOC] an $845.5 million contract for E-2D Advanced Hawkeye modernized cockpit upgrades.
This contract, awarded Sept. 12, specifically covers the E-2D Delta System Software Configuration 6 (DSSC 6), the Navy said on Sept. 28.
DSSC 6 is replacing the aircraft’s current integrated navigation and controls, tactical mission computer and display systems with a “modern Hawkeye cockpit technology refresh and theater combat identification that allows for rapid integration of new capabilities, including non-proprietary applications from industry partners,” the Navy said in a statement.
DSSC 6 is scheduled to be introduced in fiscal year 2027, with fielding to retrofit the fleet set to start in 2029 and last into the 2030s.
In a Navy statement, Capt. Pete Arrobio, E-2/C-2 Airborne Command and Control Systems Program Office (PMA-231) program manager, said DSSC 5 is the “most significant change to this platform since the E-2D rolled out.”
He argued the upgrades and changes with DSSC 6 essentially make this “an E-2D ‘Block II,’ which will reduce pilot workload, improve situational awareness, and bring vital readiness and reliability upgrades paired with architecture and cybersecurity improvements.”
PMA-231 covers carrier-based airborne command, control and logistics aircraft including the E-3D, E-2C Hawkeye and C-2A Greyhound.
“Northrop Grumman has a long partnership with the U.S. Navy on the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye program to ensure with this fleet modernization that we continue to outpace evolving threats into the 2040s and beyond, with this proven airborne battle management command and control aircraft,” Janice Zilch, vice president, multi-domain command and control programs at Northrop Grumman, added.