After it gains an aerial refueling capability, the U.S. Navy's Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye will have an extended range and persistence, increasing its mission to at least 7 hr., up from the current 4-6 hr. The E-2D Aerial Refueling Program wrapped up preliminary design review (PDR) in late September. Thus far, there have been no major issues, says program co-lead Navy Cmdr. Andrew Ballinger. The initial aerial refueling capability is expected in 2020 and will then be phased into the fleet.
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