Northrop objects to cuts to E-2D program

Northrop Grumman Corp. is calling on Congress to restore funding for the Navy’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft on the grounds that proposed cuts would displace U.S. workers and even threaten global security, reports Aviation Week.

Northrop Grumman officials described the apparent $200-million plus cut as a “high-risk” move. Congress has proposed budget cuts for the program in fiscal years 2009 and 2010.

“There is a great sense of urgency today to restore production procurement dollars into the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye budget—otherwise hundreds of U.S. jobs will be lost and taxpayers will not derive the benefit of economies of scale,” Tom Vice, Northrop Grumman’s vice president for its Aerospace Systems sector said in a statement.

The company has just completed the operational assessment phase with two demonstration aircraft and is on schedule with its three pilot production aircraft, he said. Northrop Grumman's team comprises 280 suppliers.

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is the Navy’s carrier-based Airborne Early Warning and Battle Management Command and Control aircraft.