Northrop Grumman has completed the first of 21 E-2C Hawkeye 2000 radar planes on order by the US Navy under a $1.4 billion contract. These have substantial improvements over the existing E-2C. The US Navy has begun operational evaluation of the MH-60S, a heavy multi-mission version of the SeaHawk (itself a version of the Army BlackHawk). The tests are to be completed early next year. MH-60S aircraft are to replace the H-46 Sea Knight heavy helicopters in US Navy service.--Stephen V Cole