The US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has awarded Northrop Grumman Systems a multi-year contract for the purchase of 24 E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft.

The $3.1 billion contract is in support of full rate production for fiscal years 2019-2023.

This is the second MYP contract awarded to the company after the first one, which was for 25 E-2D AHE aircraft, was awarded in 2014. Congress later increased the number to 26 aircraft.

NAVAIR said the savings for MYP II are projected to be $410.6 million (11 percent) over the five years of the contract. The first MYP contract saved $586.6 million, a 13.9 percent savings compared to the cost of five single-year procurement contracts.

“This is a critical element in providing the next generation of world class command and control aircraft to the fleet,” says Capt. Keith Hash, E-2/C-2 Airborne Tactical Data Systems Program Office (PMA-231) program manager.

Airborne early warning aircraft changed the nature of warfare, and the E-2D AHE is the next generation.

Among the improvements in the E-2D are an all-new electronics suite, enhanced turboprop engines, modernized communications, and upgrade potential for mid-air refueling capabilities. E-2D also brings the new AN/APY-9 radar to the carrier strike group.

The US Navy first took delivery of the E2-D in July of 2010 and began a phased replacement of the venerable E-2C aircraft, which has served the fleet since 1973.