Navy Orders 608 Silicon Carbide Power Amplifiers for E-2C Radar

Northrop Grumman to provide key radar components for carrier-based surveillance aircraft

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The U.S. Navy has placed a $198 million order with Northrop Grumman for 608 silicon carbide-based power amplifier modules to support the radar system on the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye carrier-based surveillance aircraft. These power amplifiers are crucial components that boost the radar signals, enabling the E-2D's long-range detection and tracking capabilities.

Why it matters

The E-2D's powerful AN/APY-9 radar is a critical asset for the Navy, providing long-range airborne early warning and battle management. The silicon carbide power amplifiers improve the radar's performance, reliability, and efficiency, ensuring the E-2D can effectively detect and track a wide range of threats, from stealth aircraft to cruise missiles.

The details

The power amplifier modules use silicon carbide transistors, which offer better switching performance, higher power density, and greater efficiency compared to traditional silicon-based components. These modules are part of the radar's distributed architecture, with each one serving as a building block to generate the high-power UHF radar beam. The amplifiers boost the signal strength, enabling the E-2D to detect targets at extended ranges exceeding 350 nautical miles.

  • Northrop Grumman will complete the work by February 2029.

The players

Northrop Grumman Corp.

An American aerospace and defense technology company that will provide the silicon carbide-based power amplifier modules for the E-2D's radar system.

Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support

The U.S. Navy organization that placed the $198 million order for the power amplifier modules.

E-2D Advanced Hawkeye

The carrier-based surveillance aircraft that uses the powerful AN/APY-9 radar system, which is supported by the new power amplifier modules.

Lockheed Martin

The company that developed the AN/APY-9 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for the E-2D aircraft.

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The takeaway

The Navy's investment in advanced silicon carbide power amplifiers for the E-2D's radar system underscores the importance of maintaining technological superiority in airborne early warning and battle management capabilities. These components will enhance the aircraft's detection range, sensitivity, and reliability, ensuring the E-2D can effectively fulfill its critical mission in complex combat environments.