Northrop Grumman E-2C Hawkeye 2000

The carrier-based radar aircraft built for fleet command and control.

Overview

Northrop Grumman United States ICAO: E2 1988–Present Active $176 million (2012)

The E-2C Hawkeye 2000 is an upgraded variant of the E-2 airborne early warning aircraft. Designed for carrier operations, it provides long-range radar surveillance and battle management. The aircraft serves as a key component of naval fleet defense.

Live Fleet Activity (E2)

📡

Fetching live data…

Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Rolls-Royce T56-A-427 turboprops
Engine type
Turboprop
Power
2 × 5,100 shp · 3,803 kW
Avionics
Advanced Control Indicator Set
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
5
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
57 ft 7 in  ·  17.56 m
Tail height
18 ft 4 in  ·  5.58 m
Fuselage diameter
6 ft 3 in  ·  1.90 m
Wing span
80 ft 7 in  ·  24.56 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
57,500 lb  ·  26,100 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
3,950 lb  ·  1,800 kg
Fuel capacity
1,850 gal · 7,000 L · 5,600 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
350 kt  ·  403 mph  ·  648 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
103 kt  ·  119 mph  ·  191 km/h
Range
1,542 nm  ·  1,770 mi  ·  2,860 km
Fuel burn
3.81 nm/gal  ·  1.86 km/L
Ceiling
37,000 ft  ·  11,300 m
Rate of climb
2,515 ft/min  ·  13 m/s
Takeoff distance
2,600 ft  ·  790 m
Landing distance
1,440 ft  ·  440 m
(/) tap to zoom
(/)
An E-2C Hawkeye from the ‘Black Eagles’ of VAW 113.

Live fleet activity details

📡
Fetching live data…
All Active Aircraft Types
Flight Airline Reg Alt Speed Heading V/S

Operational Context

Northrop Grumman E-2C Hawkeye 2000 — carrier-based airborne early warning aircraft

The E-2 first flew in the 1960s, and the Hawkeye 2000 variant introduced significant avionics upgrades in the late 1990s. It retained the high-wing configuration and distinctive rotating radar dome. The aircraft operates from aircraft carriers using catapult launch and arrested recovery systems.

Powered by two Allison T56 turboprop engines producing approximately 5,100 shaft horsepower each, the E-2C cruises at about 300 knots (555 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is roughly 57,500 pounds (26,080 kg). The radar system provides wide-area surveillance over sea and land.

The Hawkeye 2000 improved data processing and network integration compared with earlier models. It supports fleet air defense, command and control, and maritime surveillance missions. The aircraft remains a cornerstone of carrier-based airborne warning operations.

Blog mentions