US orders high-power amplifiers for Hawkeyes and Advanced Hawkeyes
An E-2D Advanced Hawkeye takes off from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson in September 2021. (Photo: USN/Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mason Congleton)
North Star Scientific is producing and delivering high-power amplifier units for installation aboard E-2C and E-2D aircraft.
Hawaii-based North Star Scientific Corporation is providing Australia with high-power amplifier (HPA) units for aircraft, as well as HPA units for US-operated E-2C Hawkeye and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning and control aircraft.
Under a $14.39 million order from the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, North Star Scientific will produce and deliver a total of 41 HPA units: six units for System Configuration Set-11 E-2C aircraft; nine for E-2D cryptographic modernisation and frequency remapping aircraft retrofits; 11 spare units; and 15 for the government of Australia to be installed on unspecified aircraft.
The order also provides for the production and delivery of 19 HPA units and vibration isolating tray assemblies with integral air plenums: 14 will be compatible with the Multi-functional Information Distribution System - Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS-JTRS), and five will work with MIDS-JTRS Link-16.
Work is expected to be completed in July 2024, the DoD announced on 14 July.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Leonardo plans to fly uncrewed fighters alongside M-346 aircraft by mid-2026]()
Leonardo plans to fly uncrewed fighters alongside M-346 aircraft by mid-2026
The two uncrewed fighter aircraft will be made in conjunction with Baykar, which joined forces with Leonardo under LBA Systems in June 2025 to develop and produce uncrewed aerial systems for the international market.
-
![UK firm Skycutter comes out top in first US Drone Dominance Program competition]()
UK firm Skycutter comes out top in first US Drone Dominance Program competition
The startup was the only UK company to take part in the first Gauntlet for the programme, joining forces with its Ukraine partner to participate in the event.
-
![Robinson launches new uncrewed aircraft business unit, unveils new UAS cargo platform]()
Robinson launches new uncrewed aircraft business unit, unveils new UAS cargo platform
The new entity incorporates crewed and uncrewed capabilities to tackle a variety of mission demands in both defence and commercial markets.
-
![What will the replacement of A-10s by F-35s mean for the US Air Force?]()
What will the replacement of A-10s by F-35s mean for the US Air Force?
The USAF plans to phase out its 162 in-operation A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs by the end of FY2026, replacing them with F-35As which will bring a leap in capabilities in terms of lethality, survivability and speed.
