Another airborne early warning squadron will soon be able to transition to the latest version of the Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye. The Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117 (VAW-117) just completed a three-day round of carrier qualifications on the flight deck of the newest aircraft carrier of the United States Navy – the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).

From Charlie To Delta

E-2D Advanced Hawkeye landing on USS Gerald R. Ford
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brett Walker

Formerly called the Nighthawks, the Wallbangers currently pilot the E-2C Hawkeye, which has been in service with the US Navy for decades. They are now currently being replaced by the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, a more technologically developed version with a new radar system, multi-sensor integration and a tactical glass cockpit as well as theater missile defense capabilities.

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye has been replacing the E-2C Hawkeye since 2010. Boasting improved T56-A-427A engines, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye should be able to fly further in the next few years, as aerial-fueling capability is bound to be added to its repertoire starting this year. To transition from the E-2C Hawkeye, the Wallbangers must first complete carrier qualifications.

Carrier Qualifications Complete!

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) high-speed turns
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Connor Loessin

The NAS Point Mugu-based squadron was assigned to complete carrier qualifications at USS Gerald R. Ford, which is the only carrier qualification (CQ) asset that is regularly available on the East Coast in 2020.

Carrier qualifications are considered prime time for the Wallbangers' naval aviators to refine skills needed to transition from one aircraft type to another. To qualify, a pilot must successfully land an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye 12 times (at least 10 arrested) during the day as well six times (all arrested) in the night.

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In the span of three days, 10 VAW-117 pilots completed the carrier qualification on the most technologically advanced aircraft in the world, as assisted by the Greyhawks (VAW-120). In fact, the Wallbangers were able to complete a total of 151 catapults and 158 traps. It was a complete success and a milestone for both the the Wallbangers and the USS Gerald R. Ford.

Safe For Flight In July

E-2D Advanced Hawkeye taxiing on USS Gerald R. Ford
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brett Walker

After completing the carrier qualifications, the Wallbangers will return to NAS Point Mugu and commence training for future deployments. With the carrier qualifications complete, the Wallbangers could receive their “Safe for Flight” designation for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye as early as next month.

Source: Aerotech News and Review

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