Rockwell Collins Selected for E-2D Trainer Upgrade

By

Staff

141120-N-IG780-366 NORFOLK (Nov. 20, 2014) An E-2D Advanced Hawkeye assigned to the Bluetails of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121 launches from Naval Station Norfolk during its inaugural test with the squadron. The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is the U.S. Navy’s latest variant of the E-2 Hawkeye advanced warning aircraft. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Shane A. Jackson/Released)

The US Navy has selected Rockwell Collins to upgrade its E-2D Hawkeye training system, the company announced today.

The contract, covering work on the Advanced Hawkeye Integrated Training System, has an initial price tag of $26 million, although that total could rise to $40 million over the life of the agreement.

Rockwell will deliver an operational flight trainer designed by its subcontractor, ASI, as well as “modifications to the tactics trainer, a modification to the maintenance trainer, and spares,” according to a company press release. Rockwell has done previous training work for the E-2C legacy aircraft.

“Our expertise and experience in developing tactics trainers has been a differentiator, resulting in our customer receiving quality and values,” LeAnn Ridgeway, vice president and general manager of Simulation & Training Solutions for Rockwell, said in a statement. “When customers have complex challenges, we are able to meet those training requirements with fully integrated systems.”

Designed by Northrop Grumman, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is the Navy’s latest airborne warning and control aircraft. The airplane was declared operational by the service in October, with the Navy’s program of record standing at 75 aircraft. In November, Japan selected the E-2D to fill a requirement for its self-defense force. ■

Email: amehta@defensenews.com.

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