E-2D Conducts Successful Aerial Refueling Tests
By Tori Finagin Communications Specialist E-2/C-2 Airborne Tactical Data System Program Office Mar 29, 2018
As part of an effort to deliver a long-awaited, game-changing capability to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, the first aerial refueling-equipped E-2D received 2,000 pounds of fuel during a Jan. 10 test flight at Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
“Passing fuel for the first time airborne is a significant milestone in the development of this critical technology for the E-2D, which increases the range and persistence of command and control the E-2D provides to the U.S. and allied forces,” said Capt. Keith Hash, E-2/C-2 Airborne Tactical Data System Program Office program manager.
In addition to the KC-10 and KC-130, the Advanced Hawkeye qualified to refuel with the Air Force’s KC-135 and the Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet. Testing will continue to expand refueling capacity with these tanker aircraft, while initial testing will commence with others, including the KC-707 tanker operated by Omega Aerial Refueling Services, a private contractor.
