A Look At What Flies On U.S. Navy Carriers

Jen DiMascio April 24, 2019

Boeing F/A-18 E/F

Credit: U.S. Navy

Boeing recently won a $4 billion contract to manufacture 78 new F/A-18 aircraft through April 2024. The U.S. Navy is in the process of shedding legacy Hornets, which will remain in test squadrons through 2030.

Boeing EA-18G

Credit: U.S. Navy

The Navy is expected to accept delivery of its 160th Boeing EA-18G Growler by July, but the Trump administration is continuing to pursue research that will ensure the electronic-attack aircraft remains relevant into the future.

 

Lockheed Martin F-35C

Credit: U.S. Navy

The Pentagon aims to reduce the cost of the newest combat fighter on the carrier, so that the cost of the F-35C will be no more than $98 million by the 14th production lot.

 

Northrop Grumman E-2C

Credit: U.S. Navy

The Navy’s Northrop Grumman E-2C Hawkeye aircraft, which began operations in 1973, is gradually being replaced by the next-generation E-2D.

Northrop Grumman E-2D

Credit: U.S. Navy

The Navy plans to buy 24 Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes for carrier-based Airborne Early Warning and Battle Management Command and Control beginning in fiscal 2019-23.

Northrop Grumman C-2

Credit: U.S. Navy

The Navy plans to maintain its C-2s for the long-range aerial logistics support mission through fiscal 2024, as it prepares to transition that role to the CMV-22 tiltrotor.

Sikorsky MH-60

Credit: U.S. Navy

The Navy has an extensive plan of upgrades in store for its Lockheed Martin MH-60 helicopters—modernizing everything from safety systems and correcting deficiencies to its mission computers and data links.

Bell Boeing CMV-22

Credit: Boeing

The Navy began buying Bell-Boeing CMV-22 tiltrotors in fiscal 2018 for its Carrier On-Board Delivery mission to replace the C-2 fixed-wing aircraft. In fiscal 2020, the administration is seeking nearly $70 million to continue developing, testing and improving the aircraft.

Boeing MQ-25

Credit: Boeing

The Navy plans to take delivery of its Boeing MQ-25 unmanned carrier-based refueling aircraft no later than 2024 and has plans to buy 76.

The U.S. Navy’s carrier air wings contain a mix of combat aircraft such as the F-35C and F/A-18, as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance birds, multirole helicopters and transporters. Here is a look at some of the latest news involving the Navy’s current fleet.

Jen DiMascio

Based in Washington, Jen manages Aviation Week’s worldwide defense, space and security coverage.