Aerial refueling (AR) of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is closer to reality after the US Navy successfully conducted a critical design review of its AR capability. The review paves the way for installing AR capabilities aboard the E-2D AHE for flight testing; it is expected to reach initial operational capability in FY2020. During the review, Naval Air Systems Command and Northrop Grumman leaders presented various aspects of the AR system’s technical development to a technical review board for evaluation. This key review brings the program closer to manufacturing the AR system for installation on new E-2D AHEs on the production line and for retrofit of E-2D AHEs already in operational use.
Paxtulent River, Maryland
