USN seeks sharper data fusion for Advanced Hawkeye
E-2D Hawkeye on the flight line. (Photo: USN/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate)
The USN has ordered analysis tools and performance analysis to support improvements to its E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.
Work on a contract from the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division will be performed by Toyon Research Corporation at four US locations for completion by July 2024.
‘Additionally, this order provides two E-2D Delta System Software Configuration (DSSC)-4 mission computer upgrade kits to support analysis of E-2D DSSC-4 in an operational environment, as well as develop system requirements to update the E-2D All-source Track and ID Fuser data fusion engine to accept data from tactical information web services,’ the DoD noted in a 3 May announcement.
This work feeds directly into efforts by the USN and industry to develop a method that would analyse different approaches of combining tracks from multiple disparate data sources, and identify the approach that results in the best overall track accuracy within the processing and time constraints available.
The USN in January 2022 received its final E-2D under the first multi-year procurement contract with Northrop Grumman.
The latest Advanced Hawkeye features the DSSC Build 3, which (according to Northrop Grumman) ‘provides an additional leap in operational effectiveness and technology’ with an aerial refuelling capability and a dwell-based tracker.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that the USN signed a $3.2 billion multi-year contract in 2019 to acquire 24 additional E-2D aircraft, with a production deadline of 2026.
Deliveries under this MYP 2 contract will begin in 2022.
More from Air Warfare
-
US, in prescribing Taiwan’s mission, rebuffs MH-60R sale
The current administration in the US is proving less willing than Trump was to sell military equipment to Taiwan.
-
Raytheon gains StormBreaker lifecycle support contract modification
StormBreaker already equips F-15E fighter aircraft and the glide bomb is also undergoing developmental and operational testing with the F-35B.
-
Persistence pays off with ARRW hypersonic test
The ARRW air-launched hypersonic missile test programme has had its share of delays and mishaps, but Lockheed Martin and the USAF have finally conducted a successful boosted flight test.
-
Canberra promises to multiply MQ-28A Ghost Bats
The current Australian government is promising to accelerate development of the Loyal Wingman project for the RAAF.
-
US awards initial spares contract for F-35 Lot 16 aircraft
The latest F-35 contract modification for Lockheed Martin follows a deal covering ‘ancillary mission equipment requirements’ for Lot 15 and Lot 16 aircraft.