The E-2/C-2 Airborne Tactical Data System Program Office (PMA-231) awarded a $775 million contract to Northrop Grumman Corp. (NGC) for the full-rate production, Lot 1, of five E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft in July.

“A lot of hard work has gone into achieving this contract award,” said Capt. John S. Lemmon, PMA-231 program manager. “The E-2D team has experienced several significant milestones recently, coming together with one vision and one goal, and the contract award allows us to continue this legacy.”

The E-2D was deemed “suitable and effective” in an Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) report in December, aiding the Defense Acquisition Board (DAB) in approving the aircraft for full-rate production in January. Full-rate production enables the manufacturing of the remaining 55 aircraft during the next 10 years and provides opportunity for a more cost-effective multiyear procurement.

NGC called the contract award a significant milestone for the E-2D program.

“Moving from low-rate production into full-rate production validates that we have a stable production line, capable of manufacturing and delivering a mature and effective airborne early warning, battle management, command and control system,” said Bart LaGrone, vice president of E-2/C-2 programs, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems.

The E-2D is the Navy’s all-weather, carrier-based tactical battle management airborne early warning (AEW) command and control aircraft. The first of the five aircraft of the full-rate production Lot one contract is currently in production.

The E-2D program is looking forward to a multi-year procurement contract award in 2014. Initial operational capability for the E-2D is planned for 2015.

NAVAIR press release