Grumman E-2C Hawkeye – VAW-113 Black Eagles, US Navy, USS Ronald Reagan, June 2006

Hobby Master 1/72 scale HA4818: Grumman E-2C Hawkeye NK600 of VAW-113 Black Eagles, US Navy, USS Ronald Reagan, June 2006. Production run of 600 models.

Length 9.75 inches Wingspan 13.5 inches

VAW-113 “Black Eagles” is an Airborne Command & Control Squadron that was established on April 20 1967 and equipped with the E-2A Hawkeye. In 1992 the VAW-113 took part in “Exercise Roving Sands”, newly equipped with the new E-2C. Around the end of May 2006 VAW-113 concluded operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and sailed to the coast of Guam to take part in Valiant Shield 2006. The USS Ronald Reagan returned home in mid July 2006 and VAW-113 returned to home base at Point Mugu, California.

Designed as a replacement for the E-1 Tracer, the Grumman E-2 Hawkeye was first flown in 1960. This all-weather tactical Airborne Early Warning aircraft is the only aircraft-carrier capable aircraft to carry a large rotating dome, which houses the antennas for its long-range radars. Used primarily by the US Navy, the E-2 provides surveillance and airborne early warning of anti-ship and enemy aircraft attacks. Sometimes called “The Hummer” because of its distinctive engine sounds, the E-2 is one of only two propeller airplanes that currently operate from aircraft carriers. The E-2 is still undergoing upgrades, with the modern E-2D taking its first flight in August 2007.