Northrop Grumman expands Japan Hawkeye program

Northrop Grumman Corp. has entered into an exclusive, 5-year agreement with AAR Corp. of Illinois and Sumitomo Corp. of Japan, expanding industrial support for the Japan E-2C Hawkeye program by establishing a "just-in-time" inventory management process.

 

"Japan is our largest international Hawkeye operator," said Bart LaGrone, vice president, E-2/C-2 programs, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. "The Japan Air Self Defense Force [JASDF] has achieved an incredible operational stature with its E-2C fleet, approaching 115,000 accident-free flight hours. The demand for E-2 Hawkeye airborne early warning and control is even greater now than when the systems were first delivered to JASDF in 1984."

 

Japan initially acquired E-2C aircraft to provide "over the horizon" early warning against low flying aircraft. The mission has evolved over time to include long-range sea and air surveillance. The E-2 Hawkeye provides continuous and simultaneous 360° surface and air surveillance, at maximum range.

 

"Northrop Grumman will continue to provide E-2C support to JASDF and other E-2C operators as the U.S. Navy begins its transition to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye in fiscal year 2015," added LaGrone.

 

Key industrial partners providing support to JASDF's E-2C Hawkeye fleet include Toshiba Corp. and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The AAR agreement supplies airframe parts and accessories for the E-2C with options to increase that support as needed; ensuring that Japan's Hawkeye fleet maintains the high operational rates they have achieved for nearly 30 years.