Following the decision earlier this year to proceed with full-rate production, the Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC) a $113.7-million advance acquisition contract for long lead materials and related support for five full-rate production Lot 2 E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft.

“This contract award, along with OSD’s full rate production decision, is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the entire E-2D team to deliver on its promise of a mature, capable and effective E-2D Advanced Hawkeye,” said Bart LaGrone, Vice President, E-2/C-2 programmes, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. “In today’s challenging defence budget environment, it is imperative that we remain focused on providing the US Navy with a more affordable airborne early warning, command and control solution.”

With the Navy’s E-2D programme of record at 75 aircraft, this contract award is another step forward in bringing the total current procurement of E-2D aircraft, including low-rate initial production and full-rate production aircraft, to 30.

Last month, Northrop Grumman delivered the 10th E-2D Advanced Hawkeye to the US Navy, having delivered the first nine aircraft on or ahead of schedule. There are currently an additional 10 aircraft in various stages of manufacturing and predelivery flight testing at the company’s Aircraft Integration Center of Excellence in St. Augustine, Florida. Initial operational capability with the US Navy remains on track for 2015.