The W2F-1 Hawkeye (later re-designated YE-2) first took flight on 21 October 1960.
We’ve come a long way to this (E-2C Hawkeye 2000)
And the future looks bright:
Northrop Grumman has completed assembly of the first E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning and battle management test aircraft fuselage. System components are now being added into the fuselage structure. This first of two E-2D test aircraft will fly next year. E-2D’s will be a key node in the U.S. Navy’s operational architecture for the future: Sea Power 21. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)
Of course as we get deeper into the History of AEW series, more will be said of the Hawkeye — suffice for now to recognize a most significant milestone. How many military aircraft, much less carrier-based, can say they have both been flying in this basic design for 40+ years AND still be in production? -SJS
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