Environmental Assessment of E-2D - 03/04/08
BRRC wins contract to perform noise and APZ analysis tasks to support the transition of the E-2C Hawkeye to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.
Background
The E-2D AHE supports a two-generation advancement in radar technology, enhanced surveillance, communications capability, and onboard decision support systems. The new architecture, referred to as command, control, communications, computers, and information (C4I) aircraft, provides improvements in reliability and mission capabilities when compared with the E-2C Hawkeye aircraft currently in service. The E-2D AHE is the first platform in the Navy’s missile defense network with the capability of detecting a cruise missile launch from a land-based weapons vehicle. A quick response to this event is critical. Instantaneous and continuous communications, intelligence, and surveillance from battle commanders, unmanned aerial vehicles, carriers, destroyers, and strike aircraft are needed from the airborne battle manager in order to target and eliminate the threat before a second launch occurs. The E-2D AHE also includes major hardware changes in avionics. Additional upgrades include flight management system, the ability to refuel in-flight, and improved engines.
Purpose
This Environmental Assessment (EA) evaluates the reasonably foreseeable impacts associated with the Navy’s proposed action to provide facilities and functions to support the replacement of the E-2C Hawkeye with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (AHE) at established Airborne Early Warning (AEW) home bases.
Approach
BRRC will develop noise exposure contours for the airfields. These contours will be used by Ecology & Environment to assess land used impacts. BRRC will also identify the flight tracks that meet the Navy’s APZ designation and provide the list to Ecology & Environment.
US Navy E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
|
