Northrop Grumman, a leading aerospace and defense technology company, has secured a contract from the U.S. Navy to upgrade the cockpit and computing architecture of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. This enhancement will be accomplished through the implementation of Delta System Software Configuration 6 (DSSC 6) and is set to continue until 2028.
The modernization initiative, known as DSSC 6, encompasses several key elements, including the Hawkeye Cockpit Technology Refresh and Theater Combat ID. Once deployed, the new open mission systems architecture embedded within DSSC 6 will facilitate the seamless integration of emerging capabilities. This includes the incorporation of non-proprietary applications from industry collaborators.
The comprehensive upgrade project will span the entire U.S. Navy fleet, commencing in 2029 and extending throughout the 2030s. It will involve retrofitting the aircraft with updated cockpit features, navigation technologies, and advanced mission systems.
Northrop Grumman’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft represents the latest iteration in a lineage of Airborne Early Warning & Control platforms with a history spanning more than six decades. The E-2 platform serves as the basis for some of the world’s most advanced airborne battle management and command and control systems, with effectiveness both over land and sea. Over the years, Northrop Grumman has continuously enhanced the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, ensuring its readiness to counter evolving threats on a global scale.
E-2 variants are utilized by various Air Forces and Navies worldwide. With a track record of on-time delivery and an active production line, the E-2D continues to introduce cutting-edge technology to stay ahead of ever-changing threats.
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye plays a pivotal role in the analysis, fusion, and distribution of multi-domain information, functioning as a command-and-control system of systems. It offers support across all domains and warfighting levels. As the coordinator for offensive and defensive operations within the Carrier Strike Group, the E-2D provides dominant and continuous interoperable command and control, along with surveillance capabilities to safeguard the fleet.
Moreover, the E-2 platform serves additional roles, including search and rescue guidance, navigation assistance, and communications relay. It has played active roles in various operations, such as Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Tomodachi, and Joint Task Force Katrina.