NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, the Navy’s newest airborne early warning and command and control aircraft, began Carrier Suitability Testing aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) today to assess its effectiveness in an operational environment.

During this test phase, all aspects of integrating the aircraft into shipboard operation will be addressed, including logistics, manpower and interoperability, as well as catapult and arrested landing structural tests.

Aircraft 501, flight test team and pilots assigned to the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 20 (VX-20) here are being used to test the aircraft aboard Truman.

“Truman is here to provide the squadron with the platform it needs to perform testing,” said Lt. Cmdr. Rodney Moss, Truman’s handler. “We will be supporting its test equipment on board, as well as aiding them in launch and recovery efforts.”

Suitability testing for the E-2D is scheduled to continue through Monday. During that time, VX-20 will monitor the aircraft’s performance and determine its effectiveness in the operational shipboard environment.

“We will make our determinations based on any discrepancies with the airframe or whether we see any gaps in the anticipated capability,” said Cmdr. Mike Santomauro, flight test director. “We have about 200 test points we are trying to accomplish.”

The E-2D has the ability to scan a larger area, detect smaller objects and process information quickly than its predecessor. The all-glass cockpit and tactical operator station enable aircrew members to more easily accomplish these tasks through improved visibility.

“This new platform features state-of-the-art radar with a two-generation leap in capability and upgraded aircraft systems,” said Capt Shane Gahagan, Hawkeye, Advanced Hawkeye and Greyhound Program Office (PMA-231) here. “The E-2D continues the Navy’s integrated war fighting legacy by providing broad area coverage resulting in increased range capabilities. With the E-2D’s enhanced ability to work in the littoral areas and over land, the platform provides a critical capability to protect our nation’s interests.”

Source: NAVAIR press release