The US Navy sent its next AWACS Hawkeye to “retirement”

The actual status of these “flying radars” is a separate issue, but they are absolutely necessary to strengthen our aviation

Source: Defence Express

The US Navy is in the process of phasing out its E-2C Hawkeye radar surveillance aircraft, with replacing the latest E-2D type aircraft.

For example, the 123rd Command and Control Squadron (VAW) self-named Screwtops, which is part of the air group of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), retired two of the four existing E-2C Hawkeyes and sent them for conservation at the air base &ldquo ;Davis-Montagne”, the other two – transferred to training for training crews for the latest E-2D, as the portal Scramble.nl writes in its publication.

In the text of this publication, it is specified that the transition of the Screwtops squadron to new AWACS aircraft of the E-2D type should take place in the middle of 2025, from which it can be concluded that by next summer the Americans should have another +2 &ldquo “flying radars” type E-2C Hawkeye.

From Defense Express, in this case, we consider it necessary to put the following accents. To begin with, the very fact that the Americans put their AWACS in storage attracts attention here, because this, in turn, means a theoretical possibility to strengthen our aviation with aircraft of this class.

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Of course, against this background, the question arises about the actual technical condition of those E-2C Hawkeye aircraft, which the US Navy puts in storage at the Davis-Monthan air base, that is, whether it will be possible to continue using these AWACS for their intended purpose.< /p>

Well, in addition, the basic differences between the E-2C and E-2 E-2D variants should be outlined – the first one does not have the option of refueling in the air, the duration of the patrol is 3-4 hours, the second option is distinguished by newer electronics, the possibility of refueling in the air and the ability to conduct patrols for up to 6-8 hours.

Another specific nuance is that , that usually AWACS squadrons as part of carrier-based aviation of the US Navy are equipped with 4-5 E-2 aircraft on the basis that this should provide a constant opportunity for patrolling although one “flying radar” of this type.

However, if it were not for the possible nuances regarding the technical condition and operation of the E-2C Hawkeye aircraft, which are currently stored by the US Navy, at least the very theoretical possibility of strengthening our aviation with these aircraft is worth considering .

It is unlikely that the two Saab 340 AEW&C radar surveillance aircraft that Sweden is to hand over to the Armed Forces are unlikely to enough for our air defense. If we talk about the possibility of getting new ones, then the example of Japan as an important ally of the USA is illustrative here, which clearly shows how much one AWACS aircraft of the E-2 Hawkeye type costs, and how long to wait for the delivery.