Academy - 1/144 - USN E-2C VAW-113 - "Black Eagles"
The Grumman E-2 Hawkeye is the successor to the E-1B, which was a modified TBF-3 Avenger from World War II. In the mid-1950s, Grumman began work on the aircraft, and by 1964, the U.S. Navy introduced the E-2A, the first aircraft specifically designed for Airborne Early Warning (AEW) tasks. By 1967, 59 E-2A aircraft had been built, and they were heavily used during the Vietnam War. After this, several modifications were made, leading to the new designation E-2B, which included upgrades such as a high-speed programmable digital computer.
The E-2C program began in 1968 as the third generation of the Hawkeye family. The E-2C prototype made its first flight in 1971, and the first aircraft was delivered to the U.S. Navy in 1973. By March 1994, 139 E-2C aircraft had been produced or converted from earlier models. The E-2C Hawkeye became an essential tool for preventing surprise attacks not only from enemy fighters and bombers but also low-flying aircraft, missiles, and warships. The E-2 belongs to the AEWC & C category, which stands for Air Early Warning, Command and Control System.
Equipped with a massive rotating antenna and hundreds of kilograms of electronic equipment, the E-2 Hawkeye can monitor 35 million cubic kilometers of airspace and over 480,000 square kilometers of ocean surface. This capability allows it to detect potential threats to naval fleets, including aircraft, missiles, and ships. The aircraft's abilities have also been used by civil organizations for air traffic control. Because it operates at high altitudes, the E-2 has a much wider radar horizon, enabling it to detect threats beyond the reach of ground-based radar systems.
The AN/APS-145 radar system on the E-2 automatically detects, identifies, and tracks targets from more than 500 kilometers away. Its passive detection systems extend its range even further, allowing it to detect and classify targets beyond the radar’s direct capabilities. The E-2 Hawkeye can be used for various missions, including commanding assault operations, countering drug smuggling, and conducting Search and Rescue (SAR) missions. With its advanced radar and communication systems, a single Hawkeye could oversee air traffic across a large country like Poland, supporting military and civilian operations.
In 1994, Northrop Grumman began work on an upgraded version of the E-2C, which included improvements like better ground target tracking, IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) capabilities, and a 40% range improvement for the AN/APS-145 radar. The upgrade also introduced new pilot cockpits with color multifunction displays, improved operator consoles, and enhanced interoperability with the AEGIS system on Ticonderoga-class cruisers. These upgrades allowed the E-2C to remain effective into the 21st century. The crew consists of 2 pilots and 3 operators, and the aircraft is powered by two Allison T56-A-427 turboprop engines. Despite its seemingly outdated propulsion system, the turboprops are ideal for the Hawkeye's missions due to their low fuel consumption, long-range capabilities, and suitability for carrier-based operations. The aircraft can stay in the air for over 4 hours and operate 350 km from its base.
Brand
Academy
Scale
1/144
As an international traveller you are entitled to bring a certain amount/value of goods that are free of Customs duty and exempt Goods and Services tax (GST) into New Zealand. This is called your duty free allowance and personal goods concession. It is important to review these for any purchases you make on The Mall.
Your duty free allowance entitles you to bring into New Zealand the following quantities of alcohol products free of customs duty and GST provided you are over 17 years of age. You do need to be 18 years or over to purchase.
- Up to six bottles (4.5 litres) of wine, champagne, port or sherry or
- Up to twelve cans (4.5 litres) of beer
- And three bottles (or other containers) each containing not more than 1125ml of spirits, liqueur, or other spirituous beverages
Goods other than alcohol and tobacco, whether purchased overseas or purchased duty free in New Zealand, that have a combined total value not exceeding NZ$700 may also be brought as part of your personal goods concession.
When travelling overseas there are legal limits on the amount of duty free alcohol and other goods you can take with you. These amounts will vary depending on the country you are flying into. We always recommend you check the latest limits and exemptions.
Your order can be picked up at an Auckland Airport Collection Point. There is one in departures and one at arrivals in the international terminal. Alternatively, if you are arriving between 11pm and 6am you will be able to collect your order from our lockers. See map
Please bring your order confirmation email and your passport. If you are collecting from lockers you will have been sent an email with your access code, be sure to have this on you in order to collect your order.
If you’re departing Auckland Airport, we recommend that you come to the Auckland Airport Collection Point at least 60 minutes before your flight. If you miss your pickup time or your flight details have changed please let us know as soon as possible.
When you collect your order you will have the opportunity to inspect the items and sign for them.
If you need to return an item, our Collection Point team are there to help you. If you are collecting after hours please return the item to your locker and our team will be in touch as soon as possible. You may also like to view our Returns & refunds which provides information on how this works and outlines the individual retailer's returns and refunds policies.
After Hours Collections
If your order needs to be collected after the Auckland Airport Collection Point desk is closed, your order will be placed in the lockers next to the desk. All the details you will need to collect your order will be provided in your Order Confirmation and Ready to Collect Email.