April 2014
First flown in 1960, the Hawkeye carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft was the first designed specifically for its role, as opposed to a modification of an existing airframe. Grumman’s long-patented Sto-Wing folding wing system prevents the folded wing panels from making contact with the E-2’s 24ft diameter rotodome. Variants of the Hawkeye have been in continuous production since 1960, giving it the longest production run of any carrier-based aircraft. This aircraft has been part of the USS Midway museum’s collection since its 2004 opening. Nikon D7000 w/18-200mm.