The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is the U.S. Navy's newest carrier-based airborne early warning and battle-management aircraft. Its APY-9 radar adds 360-degree scanning and better small-target detection, while the five-person crew and glass cockpit support multi-mission command and control. U.S. E-2Ds were documented supporting Operation Epic Fury in 2026.
2020 United States-Iran Conflict: used by U.S. Navy carrier air wings in support of Operation Epic Fury aboard USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln on Feb. 28, 2026.
The E-2D is a carrier sensor node first. The Navy's program pages show a platform built to extend the fleet's reach, keep the crew workload flexible, and stay on station longer when aerial refueling is available.
| Feature | Source-backed detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Radar | AN/APY-9 radar with 360-degree coverage and simultaneous air/ground tracking. | Improves wide-area surveillance and battle management from the carrier deck. |
| Crew / cockpit | Five-person crew with the option for the co-pilot to act as a fourth mission systems operator. | Lets the crew share command-and-control work during long sorties. |
| Mission set | Airborne strike support, land-force support, rescue operations, communications relay, and drug interdiction support. | Shows the aircraft's role as a multi-mission airborne command post, not just a radar plane. |
| Program / cost benchmark | Northrop's 2007 pilot-production contract totaled $408 million for the next three E-2Ds. | Gives readers a public price reference point for the early production run. |
The E-2D's mission fit centers on the AN/APY-9 radar.
| Carried item | Item type | Carriage evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | Airborne early warning radar | Official E-2D sources identify AN/APY-9 as the aircraft's radar and primary sensor, showing the E-2D carries the system as part of its mission fit. Sources: Navy accepts delivery of E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, Lockheed Martin APY-9 radar |
Northrop Grumman announced a $408 million U.S. Navy pilot-production contract for the E-2D program and said the next three aircraft would be delivered in 2010.
Sources: Northrop Grumman Awarded $408 Million U.S. Navy Pilot Production Contract for E-2D Advanced Hawkeye; System Development and Demonstration Ongoing
Northrop Grumman said the first three pilot-production E-2Ds were to be delivered in 2010, marking the aircraft's move toward fleet introduction.
Sources: Northrop Grumman Awarded $408 Million U.S. Navy Pilot Production Contract for E-2D Advanced Hawkeye; System Development and Demonstration Ongoing
NAVAIR identifies October 2014 as the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye's initial operational capability date.
Sources: NAVAIR E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
NAVAIR says the E-2D achieved aerial-refueling IOC in FY2020, extending time on station for carrier operations.
Sources: NAVAIR E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
DVIDS and CENTCOM documented U.S. Navy E-2Ds flying in support of Operation Epic Fury from USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln.
Sources: DVIDS U.S. Forces Launch Operation Epic Fury, CENTCOM USS Abraham Lincoln Flight Ops Support Operation Epic Fury
