Domeless Hawkeye?

On 20 June 2023, an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye from Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 113) Black Eagles ('NE-60x') was flown from Falon NAS (NV) to the Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) at NAS North Island (CA) without its distinguished circular radar on top of the fuselage.

The aircraft, E-2D BuNo 169865/NE-602, had its rotodome removed, because this was damaged in a hail storm and required dismantled and shipped for repairs.

As VAW-113 has a pending need for this aircraft, it was flown to FRCSW where a dome swap could be completed.

According to the US Navy this was the first time that an E-2D was flown without a dome or pylon.

Photo by US Navy