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4. The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye from Northrop Grumman
Joined the Service in 1960
Not retired: N/A
Expense: *$232 million
An all-weather tactical AEW (Airborne Early Warning) aircraft with carrier capability is the E-2 Hawkeye. The US Navy was the first branch of the armed forces to acquire the twin-turbo boat, which was designed in the late 1950s. The E-1 Tracer, which is no longer in production, was succeeded by the E-2 Hawkeye.
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Shutterstock / Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye ©viper-zero
The Northrop Grumman Corp. aircraft has benefited from a number of much-needed upgrades throughout time, including the addition of E-2B and E-2C technology, which has improved radio communications and radar performance. The first flight of the E-2D Hawkeye took place in 2007. The sound of the turboprop engines has earned it the moniker "Hummer." The E-2 is used by the US and seven other nations.
