E-2D refuelling system passes CDR
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye's Aerial Refuelling (AR) system has completed its critical design review (CDR) conducted by the US Navy and Northrop Grumman, it was announced on 30 June.
Northrop Grumman is designing, developing, manufacturing and testing sub-system upgrades for adding the AR capability to its E-2D Hawkeye tactical airborne early warning aircraft under an engineering, manufacturing and development (EMD) contract awarded in 2013.
With the completion of the CDR, the programme is now ready to move on to the build/test phase. Once it is ready for service, the AR system will be retrofitted onto E-2D aircraft already in operation and installed in new production aircraft.
The developmental AR sub-system and flight test instrumentation will be installed onto E-2D test aircraft from the second quarter of FY2016. Flight testing for the test aircraft will then commence in FY2017. The system is expected to achieve initial operational capability in FY2020.
Capt. John Lemmon, program manager, E-2/C-2 airborne tactical data system program office (PMA-231), US Navy, said: 'The AR team continues to put outstanding effort into bringing this much needed capability to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. Aerial refuelling will enable the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye to provide longer on-station times at greater ranges.'
Jane Bishop, vice president, E-2/C-2 programs, Northrop Grumman, said: 'Achieving this critical milestone moves the programme one step closer to fielding this much needed capability to the warfighter.'
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Intelsat emphasises SATCOM resilience for SOF in contested domains (video)]()
Intelsat emphasises SATCOM resilience for SOF in contested domains (video)
Intelsat outlines how its multi-orbit SATCOM architecture is enhancing connectivity and resilience for special operations forces operating in degraded and contested environments.
-
![US Space Force’s next-generation missile warning system moves forward with $500 million in new contracts]()
US Space Force’s next-generation missile warning system moves forward with $500 million in new contracts
Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) satellites are intended to provide early warning of missile launches from any location worldwide and new ground stations will result in expanded coverage of critical missile warning.
-
![Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces]()
Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces
Airbus was awarded the Composante Spatiale Optique (CSO) contract at the end of 2010. This included an option for a third satellite, which was activated after Germany joined the programme in 2015.
-
![Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)]()
Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)
In today’s contested operational environment, adaptability is key. The new Geospatial-Intelligence as a Service (GEO IaaS) solution from Fujitsu and MAIAR empowers militaries by enabling intelligence advantage, combining advanced technology with human expertise to deliver actionable insights.
-
![Israel sets up new department to boost development of AI and autonomy]()
Israel sets up new department to boost development of AI and autonomy
Israel will continue to develop autonomy for its weapons and platforms as it brings together defence personnel, academia and industry.
-
![Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s]()
Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s
Clavister CyberArmour, an integrated defence cybersecurity system, will be used on BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 platform in deployments with a Scandinavian country, as well as in an eastern European nation.
