E-2D Adv Hawkeye

Abstract

The DSSC build schedule is outlined below along with the capabilities that are planned to comprise each DSSC build. DSSC-3.1 is comprised of the following capabilities: 1. Crypto Modernization/Frequency Remapping: The E-2D Multifunctional Information Distribution System/Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS/JTRS) with concurrent Multi-netting will be integrated into the E-2D. This effort includes replacing the Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminal (MIDS LVT) radio with MIDS/JTRS that has incorporated Link-16 concurrent Multi-netting (CMN-4) and replacing the JTIDS High Power Amplifier Group with a Link-16 High Power Amplifier which will address Crypto Modernization and Frequency Remapping. 2. Hybrid-Beyond Line of Sight (H-BLOS) Secret Internet Protocol Router Chat (SIPRChat) will provide a SIPR Network(SIPRNet)Chat capability via INMARSAT. DSSC-4 is planned for operational test and Fleet release in FY23. DSSC-4 provides critical capabilities needed to outpace the threat and enables components of terminal defense. DSSC-4 is comprised of the following capabilities: 1. E-2D Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) prevents loss of Global Positioning System (GPS) by using a Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna (CRPA) and antenna electronics (AE) unit which will function to provide GPS access in an Electronic Attack (EA) environment. NAVWAR significantly reduces the likelihood of loss of critical GPS Position, Navigation and Timing functionality that is fundamental to E-2D battlespace awareness and its contributions to multiple link networks. Without NAVWAR capability, the E-2D AHE will be unable to provide its services in GPS contested airspace, putting Navy units at unacceptable risk and hindering Joint operational flexibility. NAVWAR capability will allow the E-2D AHE to operate in areas where signal disruption and jamming would prohibit unprotected GPS reception. With this new capability, the E-2D AHE will be able to provide continuous operations in a degraded GPS environment for mission areas that depend on GPS for precise position, navigation, and timing. 2. The E-2D Multifunctional Information Distribution System/Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS/JTRS)Tactical Targeting Networking Technology (TTNT) integrates Advanced Tactical Data Link functionality into the E-2D. This effort includes replacing the MIDS LVT radio with MIDS/JTRS that has incorporated Link-16 Concurrent Multi-Netting and TTNT. MIDS/JTRS TTNT is a key enabler for E-2D sensor netting capability in support of the NIFC mission. Conduct Communication-as-a-Service (CaaS) demonstration to support development of a solution for resilient communication paths of tactical information throughout the battlespace. 3. The fully integrated E-2D Secret Internet Protocol Router (SIPR) Chat capability will support integration of current collaboration tools including tactical "chat" (text) communications, real-time tasking, and Air Tasking Order distribution. Recent real world operations have demonstrated a migration of Command and Control communications from voice to Internet protocol based networks. 4. The E-2D DSSC-4 Counter Electronic Attack (CEA) capability will allow the E-2D radar system to maintain performance in a hostile electromagnetic interference environment. CEA will ensure continuous E-2D effectiveness is maintained in an Electronic Attack environment supporting the NIFC capability and overall Navy and Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense strategy. 5. DSSC-4 Naval Integrated Fire Control (NIFC) will incorporate software improvements to implement capabilities and performance needed to meet partial NIFC increment 3 requirements. This improvement will specifically improve From the Sea (FTS) performance. Additional details are classified. DSSC-5 has an accelerated fleet release plan to fast-track fielding of capability in incremental drops in FY24, FY25, and FY26 vice the previous plan to field all DSSC 5 capability in FY25. DSSC-5 provides the capabilities necessary for E-2D to meet NIFC increment 3 requirements and includes the following capabilities: 1. DSSC-5.1 will provide a Counter Electronic Attack (CEA) capability which will allow the E-2D radar system to maintain performance in an advanced hostile intentional electromagnetic interference environment. CEA will ensure continuous E-2D effectiveness is maintained in an Electronic Attack environment supporting the NIFC capability and overall Navy and Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense strategy. 2. DSSC-5.1 and 5.2 will provide phased E-2D Data Fusion Improvements for a fusion engine to blend on and off-board sensor derived track data (e.g. Electronic Surveillance, Satellite Receiver System data, Fighter to Fighter backlink data) with already blended radar, Identify Friend or Foe and Cooperative Engagement Capability track files, enhancing situational awareness and tactical decision making. Integrating Link-16 Network Participation Group 20 messages improves interoperability between E-2D and participating US Navy fighters, including 5th generation aircraft. This enhances the combat effectiveness of the E-2D, increases situational awareness and shortens kill-chain timeliness (including NIFC). Successful E-2D NIFC employment depends on a clear/unambiguous tactical picture. 3. DSSC-5.2 and 5.3 will provide phased E-2D Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) Signal Data Processor (SDP) processing capacity and cryptographic upgrades required to implement the NIFC capabilities integrated into DSSC 5. CEC utilizes the SDP to encrypt tactical data and control the antenna during transmission of the data. This capability will correct obsolescence deficiencies based on processors, encryption, and capacity and establish the baseline architecture for expanded capability in CEC. The fully integrated E-2D Communication-as-a-Service (CaaS) will enhance CEC improvements to ensure resilient communication paths for tactical information throughout the battlespace. CEC Block II capabilities will ensure continued interoperability with the rest of the carrier strike group, and enable new CEC capabilities necessary to counter expected advances in threat capabilities. Additional CEC improvements will provide Communication-as-a-Service (CaaS) solutions for resilient communication paths of tactical information throughout the battlespace. Initial integration of CEC Block II capabilities must be conducted on time to maintain interoperability and keep pace with expected threats. 4. DSSC-5.1, 5.2, and 5.3 will provide phased E-2D Sensor Netting capabilities which provide fusion of data from off-board sources via a high bandwidth network that will allow E-2D to support NIFC increment 3 requirements. Additional details are classified. E-2D Stores Performance Assessment Requested Quality (SPARQ): Due to budget constraints and reprioritization of efforts, E-2D Stores Performance Assessment Requested Quality (SPARQ) capabilities have been removed from the DSSC-5 build. These funds were reprioritized to higher development priorities that will be incorporated in a future DSSC build. DSSC-6 is planned for operational test in FY28 and Fleet Release in FY29. DSSC-6 provides the capabilities necessary for E-2D to meet NIFC increment 3 requirements and is comprised of the following capabilities: 1. E-2D Hawkeye Cockpit Technical Refresh (HECTR) involves a redesign of critical components of the current E-2D Integrated Navigation Control and Display System (INCDS) driven by component obsolescence and fleet identified deficiencies. The effort includes the integration of these components with remaining cockpit hardware, integration of new software applications, and integration with TCID weapon system architecture. HECTR will bring a Required Navigation Performance Area Navigation (RNP RNAV) capability to the E-2D platform, to improve reliability, to address current human machine interface (HMI) deficiencies and to address obsolescence of the current cockpit. All current functions of the INCDS will be included in the HECTR cockpit, to include unique non-navigation functions such as landing gear and gross take-off weight, which are currently housed in the Avionics Flight Management Computer. 2. Theater E-2D Combat Identification (TCID) including Mission Computer Display re-architecture enables the E-2D to distribute longer range and more accurate Combat Identification data to the Carrier Strike Group (CSG). E-2D will receive National Technical Means (NTM) and tactical TCID data at all security levels and filter/distribute at the highest possible security levels to the tactical edge. Using the Open Mission Systems (OMS) design, the new mission computer architecture will provide multi-level security and cyber hardening provisions to support current and planned capabilities. The OMS design will allow faster integration of these capabilities required to pace the evolving threat. The fully integrated E-2D Communication-as-a-Service (CaaS) will enhance TCID improvements to ensure resilient communication paths for tactical information throughout the battlespace. E-2D Survivability capabilities for the ALQ-217 Electronic Support Measures (ESM): Due to budget constraints and reprioritization of efforts, E-2D Survivability capabilities for the ALQ-217 ESM capabilities have been removed from the DSSC-6 build. These funds were reprioritized to higher development priorities. Aerial Refueling (AR) Capability: AR capability allows the E-2D AHE to receive fuel from various organic and non-organic tanker aircraft. It provides Expanded Battle Space Surveillance and Targeting through significantly enhanced persistence and increased flexibility (range & endurance). AR enables the E-2D AHE to fully support current Carrier Strike Group /Joint 24/7 Theater Operations by providing more versatile stationing and/or forward basing options. Previous E-2D testing established operational envelopes for KC-10, KC-130, KC-135, KC-707, and F/A-18E/F aircraft under E-2 Squadrons, PE 0204152N. Future AR tanker testing will include qualification of KC46 and MQ25. ESM E-2D capabilities for the ALQ-217: E-2D AN/ALQ-217 Electronic Support Measures (ESM) integrates digital receiver and processing technology. The ALQ-217B digital ADRP addresses all known and imminent obsolescence issues in ALQ-217B Receiver/Processor. The replacement incorporates technical solutions to meet current and future mandates to support mission needs against evolving threats. Counter Electronic Attack (CEA) capability: E-2D CEA capability will allow the E-2D radar system to maintain performance in an advanced hostile electromagnetic interference environment. The E-2D CEA program will ensure continuous E-2D effectiveness is maintained in an Electronic Attack environment supporting the NIFC and long-range fires capability and overall Navy and Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense strategy. Software Support Activity: Software Support Activity provides system requirements and integration in software development environments and software integration labs to support the E-2D software and hardware configurations. This includes software development tools, test tools, and hardware benches. Details of this project are classified.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2025
• Source ID: 3051_0604234N_5_1319_PB_2025

Tags

Readers

• Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.

Technology Areas

• Cyber
• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
• Microelectronics
• Space