E-2 Hawkeye
The E-2 Hawkeye twin turbo aircraft was designed and developed in the 1950s by Grumman for the United States Navy as a replacement for the E-1 Tracer. The Hawkeye was nicknamed “Super Fudd” because it replaced the E-1 Tracer, known as the “Willy Fudd”. The E-2 is commonly known the “Hummer” due to the distinctive sound of its twin turboprop engines.
Since 1964, the Hawkeye has been the “eyes of the fleet” and has served the US Navy around the world. Hawkeyes directed F-14 fighters flying combat air patrol during Operation El Dorado Canyon. Recently, E-2Cs provided the command and control for successful operations during the Persian Gulf War, directing both land attack and combat air patrol missions over Iraq. During Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom all 10 E-2 Hawkeye squadrons flew overland sorties, provided critical battle management for attack, close-air-support coordination, combat search and rescue control, airspace management, datalink and communication relay for both land and naval forces. During Hurrican Katrina, 3 Hawkeye squadrons were deployed and to control Cost Guard and National Guard helicopter rescue units.
The US Navy Hawkeyes have been upgraded with eight bladed props as part of the NP2000 program, the first squadron to cruise with the new propellers. Operators of the E-2 Hawkeye include the countries Taiwan,Egypt, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Singapore and the United States.
Specifications: E-2 Hawkeye
Length: 57 ft 7 in
Wingspan: 80 ft 7 in
Height: 18 ft 4 in
Maximum takeoff weight: 37, 678 lb
Powerplant: 2 x Allison T56-A-425 or -427 turboprop, 5100 shp each
Maximum speed: 375 mph
Range: 1, 605 mi
Service ceiling: 30,800 ft
Rate of climb: 2,515 ft/min
Filed Under History
Comments