The U.S. Navy will test the aerial refueling capability of the E-2D later this year. The first E-2D built, AA1, is now undergoing modifications at Northrop Grumman’s St Augustine facility.
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By U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Donald R. White Jr. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Aerial refueling on the E-2 platform isn’t new, a E-2C carried out aerial refueling with a Super Hornet a few years ago. Lessons learned includes having new long-endurance seats and modifications to the flight controls to make it easier for the pilot to hookup with the basket.
The aerial refueling modifications will be standard starting from aircraft number 31 on the production line, older aircraft will have the mods retrofitted.