E-2D Advanced Hawkeye - Less than a year out.

[HeyJoe]

I'm surprised that they took their shiny new toy out in this crappy weather we've been having in NE FL this week.

There have been a couple of E-2s flying around our area this week. It's pretty rare to see them around our parts unless there's an air show going on.

Maybe where you were, but not at St Augustine as shown in photo:

 

[TheBubba]

Complete with refueling probe?

 

[HeyJoe]

Complete with refueling probe?

If you look closely, it is too skinny and part of it is orange which is used for non standard test configuration items. Most prototype or first article aircraft have specialized probes/sensors like that to capture precise measurements. That said, the E-2C system test aircraft on display at NAVAIR CoC in February did have a refuelling probe attached above the cockpit (similiar to location for the S-3). They actually flew some test flights to see if it was feasible (of course, they have also mounted Sidewinders in past for testing purposes and that never happened for the fleet). They also did this almost 30 years ago for C-2 application and for some E-2C foreign customers.

 

[Hozer]

There have been a couple of E-2s flying around our area this week. It's pretty rare to see them around our parts unless there's an air show going on.

Maybe there's something out in the warning area, or even more than one...

Have you seen the orange air flying too? Kfirs and Hawker Hunters no less doing the special departures out of KNIP...definitely not 250 knots or below...

 

[jai5w4]

Few more photos of "Delta One" from Northrop's site.

See the following link for all you ever wanted to know and more about all things E-2 Hawkeye. From lineage to the upgrades to diagrams of the new props, the links on the left side are especially detailed.

http://www.is.northropgrumman.com/systems/e2dhawkeye2_gallery.html

 

[HH-60H]

^^^What is that thing in the last pic?

 

[Brett1]

^^^What is that thing in the last pic?

Air conditioner.....

 

[Flathatter13]

^^^What is that thing in the last pic?

It's the swampcooler from MB's trailer.

 

[Brett327]

^^^What is that thing in the last pic?

Directed energy weapon.

Brett

 

[xmid]

^^^What is that thing in the last pic?

Speakers?

 

[MasterBates]

Wow.. I was thinking of that scene this morning, as at least 3 hueys flew over my trailer..

Nothing like the UH-1H alarm clock when you are hungover and not 100% sure you are at home...

 

[Lawman]

Wow.. I was thinking of that scene this morning, as at least 3 hueys flew over my trailer..

Nothing like the UH-1H alarm clock when you are hungover and not 100% sure you are at home...

All trailers look alike when your hammered. The trick is to get yourself some pink Flamingos so yours cant be missed in the blur.

 

[badger16]

All trailers look alike when your hammered. The trick is to get yourself some pink Flamingos so yours cant be missed in the blur.

That or a gnome always did the trick for the girls I hung out with in high school...oh wait taht was them in the front yard dressed like a gnome...my bad guys.

 

[WishICouldFly]

Air conditioner.....

Seems like Northrop Grumman really liked the idea this guy had.

 

[HeyJoe]

Second E-2D now airborne

Northrop Grumman reports that a second E-2D is now flight worthy