The Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye is an American all-weather, carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft.
Variants
W2F-1
Original designation of the Hawkeye, changed to E-2A in 1962.
E-2A
Initial production version, was W2F-1 before 1962. 59 built.
TE-2A
Two E-2As converted as crew trainers.
YC-2A
Two E-2As, BUNOs 148147 and 148148, converted as prototypes of the C-2 Greyhound
E-2B
As E-2A but fitted with improved computing, enlarged outer fins.
52 converted from E-2A.
YE-2C
Two E-2As, BUNOs 148712 and 148713, converted as E-2C prototypes.
Designated as YE-2C and NE-2C respectively.
These airframes then finished out their useful life being used as TE-2C pilot trainers.
E-2C
As the E-2B but with all new electronics, surveillance radar and search radar, 63 built.
In “plus-models” the E-2C also has upgraded turboprop engines.
E-2C Group 0
Initial production version of E-2C, fitted with AN/APS-120 or AN/APS-125 radar.
Lengthened nose compared to earlier versions
E-2C Group I
New radar (AN/APS-139), plus upgraded mission computer and upgraded engines.
18 new build aircraft.
E-2C Group 2
AN/APS-145 radar, further improved electronics.
E-2C Group 2 Plus (Nav Upgrade)
Avionics upgrade, inclusion of GPS into weapon system.
E-2C Hawkeye 2000
New mission computer, Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) and additional satellite communications aerial.
Originally designated Group 2+.
E-2D
A variant with new avionics suite, improved engines, a new “glass cockpit” and the potential for air-to-air refuelling.
E-2T/K
E-2C variant for Republic of China (Taiwan), with parts taken from retired E-2Bs.
However, these aircraft have the same level of electronics as the E-2C Group II Hawkeyes with their APS-145 radars and are referred to as E-2T, with “T” standing for Taiwan.
On July 31, 1999, Taiwan was approved to acquire two additional E-2 built to Hawkeye 2000 standard.
Later, the four original E-2T were also upgraded to the same standard.
The upgraded aircraft were referred to as E-2K.
Specifications
Crew
5
Length
57 ft 8+3⁄4 in (17.596 m)
Wingspan
80 ft 7 in (24.56 m)
Height
18 ft 3+3⁄4 in (5.582 m)
Radome could retract by 2 feet to fit into the 17′ 6″ clear height hangar of Essex and Midway class carriers.
