The “Screwtops” of Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123 landed on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (Ike) (CVN 69) April 17 with new modifications as the ship commenced another round of carrier qualifications.

VAW-123 is one of the first squadrons in the fleet to fly a modified version of the E-2C Hawkeye with 8-bladed props. The NP (New Propeller) 2000 E-2C Hawkeye’s props are considered to be a major improvement over the traditional 4-bladed props and have been gradually phased into VAW-123’s aircraft over the last eight months.

According to Lt. Nick Panos, a Naval Flight Officer (NFO) with VAW-123, the modification is a welcome one.

“These new props are more efficient and more quiet, and these are characteristics that really contribute to the tactical deployment of the Hawkeye,” he said. “We’re really on the cutting edge of the Hawkeye community in getting these 8-bladed props. As an NFO, the 8-bladed props are significantly better, they reduce aircraft vibrations and make the ride a lot more comfortable,” added Panos.

Lt. j.g. Chris Ferreira, VAW-123’s landing signals officer and also an E-2C Hawkeye pilot agrees.

“We’re the second squadron to get the 8-bladed modification to our aircraft, and it is 10-fold quieter than the 4-bladed props,” said Ferreira. “Having the 8-bladed props reduces fatigue and can increase time on station because it’s more efficient.”

VAW-123’s pilots are glad to finally be able to test the new props aboard Ike. “This is the first time we’ve brought the new props to an aircraft carrier,” said Ferreira. “We’ve done some expeditionary operations with it at shorter than normal airfields, so we’ve explored the envelope on the land-based side, and it’s good to bring it to the ship to see how it performs out here.”

Not only will the props help the aircraft perform more efficiently and give its operators a smoother ride, but it could also help extend the aircraft’s life.

“We have reason to believe it may increase the service life of some of the components because of the decreased vibration,” said Ferreira. With VAW-123 leaving Ike after this underway period, it will not be the last time the ship and her crew will see the eight-bladed E-2Cs. They will return in the future with the “Bluetails” of VAW-121. [ANN Salutes Journalist 3rd Class (SW) Richard Locklear, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs]

FMI: www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn69