Advanced Hawkeye

Advanced Hawkeye funded under Research, Development, Test & Evaluation, Navy / BA 5: System Development & Demonstration (SDD), aims to provide the Navy with a carrier-based airborne command and control platform equipped with the APY-9 radar system, multiple communications systems for data and voice, and additional sensor systems. The program's specific objectives include upgrading the computing architecture of the E-2D to lead the Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) efforts in any theater, ensuring that the E-2D can outpace evolving threats through upgrades to the air vehicle, mission systems, datalinks, and sensors. Additionally, initiatives such as Hawkeye Cockpit Technical Refresh (HECTR) and Theater Combat Identification (TCID) are being pursued to enhance safety during carrier landings and establish multi-level security and cross-domain solutions through an Open Mission System (OMS) Architecture.

The program's budget reflects the Navy's investment into the E-2D to maintain a tactical advantage over any adversary. Efforts initiated in recent years ensure that the E-2D can outpace evolving threats by integrating and testing new capabilities while providing Fleet concurrent training equipment upgrades. The program also includes initiatives such as HECTR and TCID to address obsolete components of the cockpit design and upgrade the computing infrastructure. These efforts are crucial in ensuring higher safety margins for carrier landings after long sorties, decreasing sustainment costs over the airplane's lifecycle, and establishing multi-level security solutions through an Open Mission System (OMS) Architecture.