The E-2C Hawkeye was put into service in 1973 and is an integral component of the AUG carrier-based aircraft, the task of which is the early detection and assessment of threats from potentially dangerous air and surface targets. In general, the E-2 type aircraft of an earlier modification first appeared in the US Navy in the early 60s and were actively used in wars and armed conflicts in the second half of the 20th and early 21st centuries with American participation, starting with the US aggression in Vietnam.
During such a long period of operation, the aircraft itself and its main systems were periodically upgraded, but a qualitative leap took place in the 2003 financial year, when a ten-year program worth $ 1.9 billion was approved, aimed at creating an almost new RLDN aircraft, called the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. This aircraft retains only an external resemblance to its predecessor, since completely different systems and equipment are installed on it, giving it new capabilities.
Shipborne ejection and airborne landing aircraft are subject to increased wear due to their specific operating conditions, as well as the corrosive effects of salt-laden sea air. Therefore, the need to replace the carrier-based aircraft RLDN is dictated by the fact that the currently operating aircraft in the coming years will deplete their operational life. However, this is not the only point. According to modern views, anti-ship cruise missiles and ballistic missiles pose the greatest danger to surface ship groupings. A successful fight against them will decisively determine the course and outcome of combat operations at sea. Combat ships armed with the Aegis early warning and fire control system are generally capable of detecting and countering enemy aircraft and ballistic missiles. However, the horizontal range of their detection equipment does not exceed 20 nautical miles. Therefore, cruise missiles, which not only fly at an altitude of about five meters above the sea surface, but also actively maneuver in flight, pose a formidable danger to surface ships. From an E-2D aircraft, such targets can be detected at distances of 200 nautical miles or more.
Therefore, it is no coincidence that the main difference between the E-2D and previous modifications of the Hawkeye aircraft is the installation on it of the new AN / APY-9 radar with electronic scanning, designed to simultaneously perform two most important functions - monitoring the airspace and irradiating detected targets. For this radar, the following operating modes are provided: classic circular scanning at a speed of 4, 5 or 6 rpm for general control over the airspace in the area of operation of the AUG; all-round view with simultaneous selection of a sector of 45 degrees, in which the amplified signal is sent to assess suspicious targets; temporarily stopping the all-round view to concentrate all the radiation energy on a specific target. The radar operates in the ultra-high frequency range, which makes it possible to reliably detect even small targets flying against the background of the earth and sea surfaces, as well as over the coast, where waves rolling onto the coast create additional interference.
The E-2D aircraft is equipped with two more powerful and more economical than previous versions, Rolls-Royce E56-427 turboprop engines with a fully automated digital powertrain control system. The presence of more powerful electric generators significantly increases the power-to-weight ratio of the machine.
The E-2D crew consists of five people: the commander, the co-pilot and three operators. The aircraft is equipped with a modern "glass cockpit", operators' workplaces are equipped with liquid crystal displays, they have at their disposal the latest monitoring and control of combat operations, a satellite communication system and on-board computers. If necessary, one of the pilots has the ability to connect to the work of regular operators.
The new aircraft received an in-air refueling system, which significantly expands its combat capabilities, and also reduces the total number of "hard" takeoffs and landings during its operation. Indeed, even in peacetime, each aircraft carrier has a detachment of four RLDN aircraft, and in marching conditions, at least one of them is constantly in the air to monitor and control the air situation in the area of operations of the AUG.
In the 90s of the last century, the US Navy first tested a communication and interaction system between ships and aircraft AUG, called Cooperative Engagement Capability (CAC). Within the framework of this system, a comparison, integration and exchange of information between the interacting elements of the AUG takes place to create a general picture of the area of hostilities and emerging threats, as well as the distribution of targets for destruction. The leading role in the successful functioning of this system is assigned to the RLDN aircraft, which are now called not only the “eyes”, but also the “brain” of the fleet.
The prototype aircraft RLDN E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is currently undergoing an intensive flight test program, its flight time exceeded 1000 hours. In the second half of this year, these tests entered a new phase, flights from the aircraft carrier began. The Navy hoped to get this aircraft into service in 2011, but it is possible that this could happen a year later, due to funding problems provoked by the crisis. In total, it is planned to purchase up to 75 E-2D aircraft, the delivery of which should be completed in 2020.
Returning to the project of the Yak-44 RLDN aircraft, one can recall that at one time, in terms of the integrated indicator of combat effectiveness, it surpassed the E-2C aircraft by 20%. Unfortunately, these calculations are hardly suitable for a comparative analysis of the characteristics and combat capabilities of the Yak-44 and E-2C. Significant efforts are required in order to catch up and create an RLDN aircraft that meets modern requirements, capable of guaranteeing information support and control of combat operations of aircraft carrier groupings of the fleet.
