Northrop Grumman successfully completed the first flight of an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye equipped with an air refuelling system. The test flight followed an air refuelling capability development programme that started in 2013 when Northrop Grumman was awarded an engineering, manufacturing and development (EMD) contract from Naval Air Systems Command’s E-2 Airborne Tactical Data System Program Office (PMA- 231). The 2013 deal contracted Northrop Grumman to design, develop, manufacture and test the subsystem upgrades required to install the probe, associated piping and fuel lines, pumps, controls, electrical and lighting upgrades. Long-endurance seats were also installed to provide greater crew comfort to enhance field of view in the cockpit and reduce fatigue over longer missions.
