E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Aircraft (E-2D AHE)

Abstract : The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Aircraft (E-2D AHE) is a carrier based, all weather, multi-mission aircraft. The E-2D AHE mission is to provide premier airborne Battle Management Command and Control and Surveillance as part of the Naval and Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense architecture including the Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air capability. The centerpiece of the E-2D AHE is the APY-9 radar system. This radar system is designed specifically to provide significantly enhanced surveillance detection and tracking capability against advanced threat aircraft and cruise missile systems in the overland, littoral, and open ocean environments. Maritime surveillance is also maintained in the open ocean scenarios. The E-2D AHE provides early warning of hostile threats and provides the force with the right data to prosecute any engagement. Key capabilities along with the radar include the Identification Friend or Foe system and Electronic Support Measures for surveillance and combat identification, advanced mission processing capability to integrate all on-board sensor data and offboard information into a coherent tactical picture, and communications, data link, and sensor netting systems to share information across the battlespace. These capabilities allow the E-2D AHE to provide a significant contribution to execution of other mission areas such as Strike, Combat Search and Rescue, and Homeland Defense. As a part of the E-2D AHE radar modernization effort, the Navy also invested in integrating a full glass cockpit and full Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management capability. The glass cockpit will also provide the capability for the pilot or co-pilot to perform tactical mission functions.