Northrop Grumman completes CDR for US Navy E-2D Block II upgrade

Published Aug 19, 03:48 PM UTC

Northrop Grumman has completed the Critical Design Review (CDR) for the Block II upgrade of the US Navy's E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne command and control aircraft. The upgrade, which covers both new production aircraft and retrofitting the existing fleet of 80 aircraft, features a modular open systems architecture to enable integration of future non-proprietary technologies. Key improvements include avionics upgrades, a new cockpit with increased computing power, and robust cybersecurity through Delta System Software Configuration 6. The modernized cockpit aims to reduce pilot workload and enhance situational awareness for complex battlespace management. Delivery is planned for the end of the decade, with flight tests scheduled for fiscal year 2029. The upgrade addresses the Navy's need for a carrier-capable early warning aircraft for Indo-Pacific operations and fills a surveillance gap as aging E-3 Sentry jets retire and the E-7 Wedgetail program faces delays. The CDR follows a $1.19 billion contract for three E-2D Block II aircraft.