Since its first flight in 1960, the E-2 Hawkeye has been the unwavering, all-weather Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C / AWACS) aircraft for the U.S. Navy. Easily recognizable by the massive, rotating 24-foot rotodome mounted on its back, this twin-turboprop aircraft- nicknamed the "Hummer" for the distinctive sound of its engines is, quite literally, the "eyes of the fleet," capable of scanning a massive area to detect and track thousands of targets, whether they are hostile aircraft, cruise missiles, or ships. The latest variant, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, features a new AN/APY-9 radar and aerial refueling capability that significantly extends its endurance, making it a pivotal command-and-control asset for the entire carrier strike group. This capability is vital for modern naval strategy, ensuring that the U.S. and its allies, like Japan and France, can maintain battlespace awareness and integrated air defense in contested areas around the globe.

Learn more about the E-2 and 54 other aircraft in service with the U.S. Armed Forces in our Aircraft Recognition Playing Cards deck!