Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. in Bethpage, NY received a $22.6 million modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N00019-03-C-0057) to design, develop, produce and test an On-Board Oxygen Generating System for the Navy’s upgraded E-2D Advanced Hawkeye AWACS aircraft.
The E-2D’s powerful 360 degree radar and sensor coverage will provide advance warning of approaching enemy surface units, cruise missiles and aircraft, to vector interceptors or strike aircraft to attack. It will also provide area surveillance, communications relay, search and rescue coordination and air traffic control. The aircraft will meet airborne early warning, surveillance, battle management and theater missile defense needs as the Navy achieves its Sea Power 21 concepts in support of Joint Vision 2020.
The E-2D modification will include an entirely new avionics suite, including a new radar, radio suite, mission computer, and flight management system. Its state-of-the art radar will offer a two-generation leap in capability, while upgraded aircraft systems that will improve supportability and increase readiness. The E-2D will also include provisions for either pilot to act as a Tactical 4th Operator, and have access to the full range of mission functions available to the CIC crew. First flight is expected in 2007, with IOC in 2011.
Work on this contract will be performed in Bethpage, NY (93.8%) and Davenport, IA (6.2%), and is expected to be complete in December 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, MD issued the contract.
See also: DC Industry (April 28/05) – Navy, industry celebrate start-up for E-2D Advanced Hawkeye