EDGEWOOD, N.Y. — CPI Aerostructures Inc.’s Welding Metallurgy Inc. subsidiary (WMI) has been awarded $1.23 million in new requirements for aerial refueling probe assemblies from Northrop Grumman for new E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft, CPI said in an Aug. 26 release.
The probe assembly is a long, welded tube assembly that enables a Navy or U.S. Air Force tanker to provide fuel to the E-2D while in flight. WMI manufactured several probe assemblies during the system test phase, and the refuellable version of the E-2D flew for the first time in December 2016 with a probe assembly manufactured by WMI.
“The E-2D’s refueling capability is transformational, allowing the aircraft to effectively double the time it can stay in the air conducting surveillance and performing its battle management command and control mission,” said Douglas McCrosson, president and CEO of CPI Aero.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to continue manufacturing this critical component of the E-2D inflight refueling system and bringing WMI’s superior technical and unique production capabilities to bear in support of Northrop Grumman’s commitment to providing the E-2D with increased operational capability.”
