Happy Birthday Hawkeye! – Navy Celebrates 50th Anniversary of E-2 Aircraft
Posted by Staff Writer on January 22, 2014 · Leave a Comment
WARBIRD RADIO — The United States Navy has announced a yearlong series of events that will mark the milestone 50th anniversary of the first E-2 Hawkeye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, delivered to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 11 on Jan. 19, 1964, becoming what is affectionately known as “the eyes and ears of the Navy.” As the first aircraft explicitly designed for the Navy’s AEW mission, the E-2 has had a presence aboard every carrier strike group in the Navy’s arsenal and has participated in every major combat operation, providing humanitarian and disaster relief.
According to a recent news release, the E-2/C-2 Airborne Tactical Data Systems Program Office (PMA-231) has named 2014 as the Year of the Hawkeye. The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is the newest variant of the E-2 aircraft platform. It features a state-of-the-art radar with a two-generation leap in capability and upgraded aircraft systems that will improve fleet supportability and increase readiness. The E-2D is on schedule to reach initial operational capability later this year.
Celebrations are scheduled to begin Jan. 19 kicking off a yearlong series of events focusing feature podcasts, videos, photos and articles about the E-2 Hawkeye that will be posted online (see Quick Link below for details).
QUICK LINK: Hawkeye www.navair.navy.mil/hawkeye
