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In an effort to understand ELINT detection better, I created a simple test of having an E-2D Hawkeye Advanced fly towards a Kresta II while fully emitting its radar. I was surprised when the Kresta did not pick up the E-2D until it was visual. I changed the bird to an E-2C Hawkeye Basic and received the same results.

I tried a few USSR ships and has similar results. However, when I tried the Nanuchka I, it at least detected the Hawkeye via ELINT at ~100nm.

Does this mean that it is possible that some ships' ELINT does not work, despite them having this sensor? Or am I missing something here?

I am on build 936.21. The save file is attached. Thanks for any help!

I ran another test with more ships and found that most do not have working ELINT. E.g. Kalinin, Udaloy I, Mukha, Grisha, Ropucha II, Kara, and Krivak I. However, 4 seemed to have at least some working ELINT: Tarantul III 250nm, Sovermenny I 194nm, SSV Marshal Krylov 139nm, Nanuchka IV 99nm. There are obviously more ships to test than that, but these were the most modern ones. All against an emitting E-2C Basic Hawkeye flying right toward them.

Hope this helps!

EDIT: I tried changing the AWACS aircraft to an A-50. All of the USSR boats with ELINT seemed to detect it at various ranges. So, is there something special about the Hawkeye E-2C that would allow it to not register on some modern USSR boats ELINT equipment?

IIRC the Hawkeye radar operates in the B-band. Very few ESM sets and RWRs actually include that band.