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The U.S. Navy has tapped Rockwell Collins for the Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye tactics trainer. This is the fourth E-2D trainer the company has provided.
In support of the E-2D Hawkeye Integrated Training Systems (HITS) III program, the initial contract is valued at $34.5 million. Including other E-2D training systems currently in service, the total value is up to $85.9 million.
“The Navy will have the tools they need to maintain readiness and train personnel on the complicated mission scenarios involving the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye,” said Nick Gibbs, VP and general manager of simulation and training solutions for Rockwell Collins. “Our expertise and experience in developing previous iterations of E-2D training systems helped us meet the Navy’s exact requirements for this program.”
Rockwell Collins said the system can be integrated with other trainers throughout the U.S. and can support high-fidelity training in a live, virtual, constructive environment. This latest trainer would be installed at Naval Base Ventura County in Point Mugu, California. It is expected to be completed by August 2020.
The E-2D is an early warning and surveillance aircraft. Northrop Grumman recently completed the first flight of Japan’s E-2D, which the country selected in 2014. Japan is the largest Hawkeye operator, besides the U.S. Navy, according to Northrop Grumman.