E-2C Hawkeye

Claim to Fame

The critical early warning and control elements of carrier battle group operations is provided by the venerable E-2C Hawkeye. Known as the "eyes of the fleet" the Hawkeye accomplishes its mission with the radar dome on top of the aircraft and electronics on the inside. That requires the largest aircrew on board the carrier: two pilots, a combat information center officer, the air control officer, and the radar operator; for a total of five. The airframe has been in service longer than most of the crew has been alive. The navy is current upgrading to the E-2D which features new radar and avionics, new computers, a glass cockpit, upgraded engines and aerial refueling capability.