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The Mission of an E-2C HAWKEYE In today's combat scenarios, attacking enemy aircraft streak in toward a Naval Carrier Battle Group (CVBG) at very low levels where the Earth's curvature and surrounding terrain can mask them from surface radars. When the first target blip finally appears on the air-defense center's scopes, it's already too late to prevent the attack or to mount an effective defense. The Grumman E-2C HAWKEYE was created to prevent such situations and is the only aircraft ever designed specifically for airborne early warning (AEW). From its normal operating altitude several miles above the earth, the twin-turboprop HAWKEYE looks beyond the horizon and over obstacles to deny the enemy that most valuable asset....surprise. Along with its radar system, the E-2C hosts an impressive array of support equipment which allows the five man crew, the CVBG and the Airwing to take the fight to the enemy. Automatic Surveillance over Land or Sea The E-2C's advanced radar system, working through a digital computer, automatically detects and tracks airborne targets over land or water. The size of targets detected range from bomber and fighter sized targets to surface-to-air and cruise missiles. Even with heavy jamming, the E-2C can continue to carry on effective detection and tracking operations. While surveying more than three million cubic miles of surrounding airspace, the HAWKEYE is also monitoring nearly 150,000 square miles of ocean surface. The E-2C can detect and track a variety of surface targets, from commercial to small fishing boats. Passive Detection "Doubles" Radar Range The E-2C includes, apart from its radar, a passive detection system (PDS) unique in the AEW world. Operating in total silence the PDS simply listens, intercepting signals from other electronic emitters to alert the HAWKEYE's three AEW operators to potential threats long before they come into radar range. HAWKEYE Delivers the Total Tactical Picture Though the HAWKEYE can operate independently, it normally functions as an extension of existing air-defense systems. All data obtained aboard the plane can be relayed over UHF or HF data links to a surface command post for display and decision making. Simultaneously, target information from other elements or from the command post itself can be transmitted to the E-2C to be correlated with onboard data and passed to Airwing assets performing missions supporting the Operational Commander. High target density environments pose no problems for the E-2C. Its central processing system can automatically keep track of several hundred separate targets. Target course, speed, altitude and identification (friend or foe) are continually maintained in the computer file for display in flight and/or real-time transmission to the ground. HAWKEYE thus gives the air-defense commander the most complete, up-to-the-minute picture possible of the tactical situation. HAWKEYE Modernization Plans In addition to current roles, the E-2C has an active and extensive upgrade and development program to fully prepare it to be a critical element in an overall joint theater and missile defense program. The Hawkeye force is keeping pace with changing tactical environments via two major upgrades: the E-2C Group II upgrade, and the Radar Modernization Program (RMP). The most advanced Hawkeye variant, the E-2C Group II which is in worldwide operation today features:
The next upgrade, the Hawkeye 2000, will install a Mission Computer Upgrade and Cooperative Engagement Capability, enhancing the E-2's capabilities in the multiple threat environment anticipated in the future. The Mission Computer Upgrade will improve target detection and tracking, and enable the incorporation of CEC. In turn, CEC-equipped Hawkeyes - the E-2C is the first aircraft in the U.S. aviation arsenal to incorporate this system - will significantly extend the engagement capability of surface forces. The CEC-equipped Hawkeye will enhance early cueing of the AEGIS weapons system, dramatically extending the lethal range of the Standard missile against airborne low altitude low radar cross section targets. The Radar Modernization Program is developing an advanced demonstration radar for the Hawkeye that will bring over-the-horizon precision, overland detection and tracking to the battle group. This, coupled with CEC, will fully integrate the Hawkeye into the Theater Missile and Cruise Missile Defense role. This precision tracking capability in conjunction with the Aegis and Standard missile will allow the battle group to deploy an organic, theater-wide cruise missile and theater ballistic missile defense umbrella for protection of high priority defended areas and U.S. and coalition forces. The Navy is ensuring that the E-2C continues as the "eyes and ears" of the Fleet as it applies the aircraft's capabilities in the integrated joint, overland, theater-wide air and missile defense environment. Many of the technological improvements being incorporated in the Hawkeye represent leading edge improvements not just in the Navy's theater air and missile defense posture, but in that of all U.S. forces. |