Northrop Grumman has begun manufacturing the first of two flight-test E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early-warning aircraft for the US Navy. Flight testing is to begin in 2007, with production of 75 new-build E-2Ds to start in 2010. Northrop also late last month delivered the USN's first upgraded Improved Capability (ICAP) III EA-6B Prowler electronic-attack aircraft from an initial batch of 10, following two test aircraft. The navy's first ICAP III EA-6B squadron will become operational later this year.
Source: Flight International