Northrop Grumman Offers E-2C Upgrade For Foreign Military Sales
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--- Northrop Grumman Corporation's Integrated Systems and Aerostructures (ISA) sector is teaming with the U.S. Navy to upgrade fleet E-2C's with production mission systems based on the Hawkeye 2000 configuration for foreign military sales countries.
"The Navy is offering a unique opportunity. We will take these aircraft and add the latest mission systems and radar," said Robert E. Schwarz, vice president and IPT leader-Airborne Early Warning programs at ISA. "Countries will then have airborne early warning (AEW) and command and control capabilities at a technological level no other system will reach for decades to come -- all at a price that' is less than a new Hawkeye 2000."
The Navy's plan to upgrade its Hawkeye fleet created this opportunity, which was also influenced by the different environments of carrier- versus land-based operations. Sustained carrier operations make it uneconomical for the Navy to upgrade these particular E-2C's. However, these airframes have significant service life left when used in a relatively benign, land-based environment.
By making these aircraft available for upgrade and foreign military sales, allied nations can acquire advanced AEW systems and benefit from Navy-funded upgrades. In addition, improved interoperability will result between the Navy and its allies.
The Hawkeye 2000 system, now in flight test with the Navy, delivers advanced processing power and target detection and tracking over land and water. "Several countries have already expressed interest. Along with the aircraft, they will have a worldwide support structure and a development plan to keep Hawkeyes ahead of the threat -- at an extremely beneficial price," said Mr. Schwarz.
The Hawkeye 2000 is one of several programs that Northrop Grumman is featuring at the Dubai 2000 International Aerospace Exhibition. The company will also highlight the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) and the Global Hawk unmanned aerial reconnaissance system.
Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems and Aerostructures sector, headquartered in Dallas, Tex., is a premier aerospace systems integration enterprise. ISA has the capabilities to design, develop, integrate, produce and support complete systems, as well as airframe subsystems, for airborne surveillance and battle management aircraft, early warning aircraft, airborne electronic warfare aircraft, air combat aircraft, and commercial aerostructures.
-ends-
Northrop Grumman Offers E-2C Upgrade For Foreign Military Sales
