Although airborne radars had been in use since World War II,
it was not until the late 1950's that advances in data
management demanded a custom flying radar platform.
Consequently, Grumman was awarded the contract for what
would become the E-2 Hawkeye, providing the Fleet with both
a flying radar site and computer data link.
Though the Midway operated E-2's since her rebuilding in the
late 1960's, the ship's relatively low overhead clearance on
the Hanger Deck required a special modification to lower the
radar dome assembly by several inches to ensure the aircraft
could fit inside.
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