Lockheed Martin has concluded flight trials of an upgraded radar subsystem for the US Navy’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, marking a key step in enhancing the platform’s capabilities.
In collaboration with Northrop Grumman, the company tested the Digital Receiver Exciter Recorder (DREXR) during operational flights, validating its effectiveness as part of broader modernization initiatives for the Navy’s airborne early warning fleet.
The DREXR system replaces older exciter and receiver units with an integrated single-box architecture, improving radar performance, extending system longevity, and strengthening the aircraft’s ability to detect and track threats in complex environments while supporting carrier strike group missions.
Key test areas included wideband transmission and reception, independent control of radar elements, and advanced software-defined waveform functionality.
As the Navy’s primary airborne early warning and battle management platform, the E-2D Hawkeye plays a vital role in linking air and naval forces through a shared tactical picture.
Recent upgrades reflect ongoing efforts to keep the aircraft mission-relevant. In January, BAE Systems received a $62 million contract to establish a maintenance depot for the E-2D’s Identification Friend or Foe system at Fleet Readiness Center Southwest in San Diego, enhancing repair efficiency and readiness for the AN/APX-122A system.
Previously, in September 2024, Fuse Integration was awarded a $16 million contract to deliver router systems enabling software-based external networking for the aircraft.
