Jump to content

Boeing E-7 Wedgetail

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Project Wedgetail)

Boeing E-7 Wedgetail
A Royal Australian Air Force Boeing E-7A Wedgetail
General information
TypeAirborne early warning and control (AEW&C)
Manufacturer
StatusIn service
Primary usersRoyal Australian Air Force
Number built14
History
Introduction dateNovember 2012[1]
First flight2004
Developed fromBoeing 737 Next Generation

The Boeing E-7 Wedgetail, also marketed as the Boeing 737 AEW&C, is a twin-engine airborne early warning and control aircraft based on the Boeing 737 Next Generation design. It has a fixed, active electronically scanned array radar antenna instead of a rotating one as with the 707-based Boeing E-3 Sentry.[2][3] The E-7 was designed for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) under "Project Wedgetail" and designated E-7A Wedgetail.

The 737 AEW&C has also been selected by the Turkish Air Force (under "Project Peace Eagle", Turkish: Barış Kartalı, designated E-7T,[4] the Republic of Korea Air Force ("Project Peace Eye", 피스 아이), and the United Kingdom (designated Wedgetail AEW1). In April 2022, the United States Air Force announced that the E-7 will be replacing the E-3 beginning in 2027.[5]

Design and development

[edit]
Cutout drawing

As early as 1986, the Australian Department of Defence evaluated industry proposals for airborne surveillance and early warning systems.[6] In 1994, further studies led to the approval of the first phase of Project AIR 5077.[6] In 1996, Australia issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the aircraft for the RAAF under Project Wedgetail, which refers to the indigenous eagle.[7] In 1999, Australia awarded Boeing Integrated Defense Systems a contract to supply four AEW&C aircraft with options for three additional aircraft.[6]

The 737 AEW&C is roughly similar to the 737-700ER. It uses the Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar. The electronically scanned AEW and surveillance radar is located on a dorsal fin on top of the fuselage, dubbed the "top hat", and is designed for minimal aerodynamic effect. The radar is capable of simultaneous air and sea search, fighter control and area search, with a maximum range of over 600 km (look-up mode). The MESA radar is fixed, unlike the hydraulically-rotated AN/APY-1/2 of the E-3 Sentry, which the 737 AEW&C is set to replace.[8] Despite this, the radar is still able to offer 360-degree azimuth scan using two broadside (side-emitting) electronic manifold arrays, each covering two 120° sectors to starboard and port, and an end-fire array housed within the top hat that covers a 60° front and aft of the aircraft.[9][10]

The radar antenna array also serves as an ELINT array, with a maximum range of over 850 km at 9,000 metres (30,000 ft) altitude.[11] Radar signal processing equipment and a central computer are installed directly below the antenna array.[12]

Other modifications include ventral fins to counterbalance the radar and countermeasures mounted on the nose, wingtips and tail. In-flight refueling is via a receptacle on top of the forward fuselage. The cabin has eight operator consoles with sufficient space for four more. The Australian fleet will operate ten consoles with space for two more, four on the starboard side and six on the port side.[13]

Operational history

[edit]

Australia

[edit]
A Royal Australian Air Force Wedgetail

Australia ordered four AEW&C aircraft with options for three additional aircraft, two of which have since been taken up. The first two Wedgetails were assembled, modified and tested in Seattle, Washington, while the remainder were modified by Boeing Australia, with deliveries once set to begin in 2006.[14] Boeing and Northrop teamed with Boeing Australia, and BAE Systems Australia. Boeing Australia provides training, maintenance and support, BAE provides EWSP systems, Electronic Support Measures (ESM) systems and ground support systems.[15]

In June 2006, the Australian Minister for Defence, Brendan Nelson, stated that the Wedgetail was delayed despite Boeing's prior assurance that work was on schedule.[16] Boeing announced an 18-month delay due to problems integrating radar and sensor systems, and did not expect delivery until early 2009. Boeing incurred $770 million (~$1.12 billion in 2023) in charges over the delay in 2006.[17] In June 2008, Boeing announced a further delay due to integration issues with the radar and Electronic Support Measure (ESM) systems.[18]

A RAAF Wedgetail flying over the Middle East, 2017

In November 2009, Boeing delivered the first two 737 AEW&Cs to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).[19] These aircraft remained Boeing owned and operated prior to the RAAF's formal acceptance in May 2010.[20] The RAAF accepted its sixth and last 737 AEW&C in June 2012.[21] All RAAF Wedgetails are operated by No. 2 Squadron RAAF and based at RAAF Base Williamtown.[22] In November 2012, the Wedgetail achieved Initial Operational Capability.[1]

On 1 April 2014, the Wedgetail's first operational sortie occurred in the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, helping control maritime patrol aircraft off Western Australia's coast.[23] On 1 October 2014, a Wedgetail conducted the first Australian sortie over Iraq supporting coalition forces conducting airstrikes against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).[24] In May 2015, the Wedgetail fleet achieved final operational capability (FOC).[25]

In November 2015, the Wedgetail performed the longest Australian command and control mission in a war zone during a 17-hour, 6-minute combat mission, requiring two air-to-air refuelings to stay aloft.[26] Australian Wedgetail crews routinely perform 13-hour missions.[27] In early April 2016, Rotation 5 of aircrew and maintenance personnel that had been operating the RAAF Wedgetail in the Middle East, achieved a record 100 percent mission success rate in Coalition operations against ISIS. The E-7A successfully conducted all 36 missions, each lasting upwards of 12 hours, amounting to nearly 500 hours of flying for the one aircraft.[28] The final Wedgetail rotation to the Middle East ended in early 2019.[29]

In October 2023, an Australian Wedgetail was deployed to Europe to contribute to international efforts to protect the flow of supplies to Ukraine following the Russian invasion of the country. This deployment was scheduled to last for six months.[30] The Wedgetail returned to Australia in early April 2024.[31]

The Australian Government's 2024 Integrated Investment Program included a commitment to allocate $A5 billion to $A7 billion to replace the Wedgetail fleet between the 2024-25 and 2033-34 financial years.[32]

Turkey

[edit]
A Boeing 737 AEW&C of the Turkish Air Force

Four Boeing 737 AEW&C Peace Eagle aircraft along with ground support systems were ordered by the Turkish Air Force, with an option for two more. Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) is the Peace Eagle's primary subcontractor, performing parts production, testing, aircraft assembly and conversion. Another Turkish subcontractor, HAVELSAN, is responsible for ground support elements, system analysis and software support.[33] HAVELSAN is the only foreign company licensed by the U.S. Government to receive critical source codes.[34] Peace Eagle 1 was modified and tested by Boeing in the US. Peace Eagle 2, 3 and 4 were modified and tested at TAI's facilities in Ankara, Turkey, in partnership with Boeing and several Turkish companies. In 2006, the four Peace Eagles were scheduled to be delivered in 2008.[35]

In September 2007, Boeing completed the first Peace Eagle test flight.[36] In June 2008, it was announced that Peace Eagle 2, the second 737 AEW&C, had completed modifications. Flight and mission system checks were completed in the third quarter of 2008.[37] In 2013, Israel delivered EW equipment for the Peace Eagle under US pressure.[38] On 21 February 2014, the first Peace Eagle, named Kuzey (meaning North), was formally accepted by the Turkish Air Force.[39][40][41] The remaining three aircraft are named Güney (South), Doğu (East) and Batı (West).[41] The fourth and final Peace Eagle was delivered in December 2015.[42]

In IDEF 2023 was a signed project contract, for the modernization of the E-7 Peace Eagle aircraft in the inventory of Turkish Air Force to meet the current operational needs of Air Force and to eliminate the obsolescence in the software. Within the scope of modernization, the aircraft will be equipped with IFF Mode 5 Responder, Karetta CRPA Antenna, Mission Computer Hardware developed by Aselsan.[43]

South Korea

[edit]
A Republic of Korea Air Force Boeing 737 AEW&C

In November 2006, Boeing won a $1.6 billion contract with South Korea to deliver four aircraft by 2012.[44] Boeing beat the other entrant, IAI Elta's Gulfstream G550-based aircraft, which was eliminated from the competition in August 2006.[45] The first Peace Eye aircraft was delivered to Gimhae Air Base, Busan for acceptance testing in August 2011[46] with the remaining three aircraft delivered every six months until 2012.[47] The second aircraft was modified into an AEW&C configuration by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), then delivered to Gimhae Air Base in December 2011.[48] After receiving AEW&C modifications by KAI, the third aircraft was delivered in May 2012 to Gimhae Air Base.[49] The fourth aircraft was delivered in October 2012.[50]

In 2023, South Korea initiated a competitive program to acquire four additional AEW&C aircraft.[51] The Boeing E-7, Saab Global Eye, and a L3Harris Gulfstream-based variant are competing for the contract.[52] Final proposals were due in April 2024.[53]

United Kingdom

[edit]

In October 2018, the British Government announced that it was in talks with Boeing about the potential for the E-7 Wedgetail to replace its E-3D fleet. Talks about using the aircraft were also taking place with Australia.[54] The apparent decision to proceed with procurement without a competition received some criticism, with the Ministry of Defence accused of displaying favouritism towards Boeing,[55] while Saab voiced its opposition to the "non-competitive" deal as it could offer the Erieye system mounted on Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft.[56] In March 2019, the UK signed a $1.98 billion (~$2.33 billion in 2023) deal to purchase five E-7 Wedgetails.[57] The aircraft will be designated the "Wedgetail AEW1".[58]

Airframe modification was expected to be performed by Marshall Aerospace, but it withdrew in May 2020, thus Boeing selected STS Aviation Group's UK branch on 20 May 2020.[59] Two of the five aircraft are to be converted commercial airliners and the rest are to be new.[60] Each conversion takes about 24 months, with work on the first aircraft starting in 2021 and the last to be completed in 2026.[60] In June 2020, the first Wedgetail delivery was expected in 2023.[61]

In December 2020, Air Forces Monthly reported that the UK was considering reducing its Wedgetail purchase from five to three aircraft and stated that such a move "could often mean just one aircraft would be available for operational tasking."[62] The 2021 Integrated Defence Review confirmed the reduced order of three aircraft.[63] In late 2022, it was reported that initial operating capability for the aircraft had slipped to 2024.[64] In February 2023, Air Chief Marshal Michael Wigston stated that the order of three aircraft may gradually rise to five.[65]

United States

[edit]
A USAF E-7A in flight, artist's depiction.

In February 2021 General Kenneth S. Wilsbach, the Commander of the United States Pacific Air Forces, proposed that the USAF rapidly acquire E-7s to replace the E-3s deployed to the Indo-Pacific region.[66] In March 2022, Wilsbach stated that the E-3 had insufficient detection range against aircraft like the Chinese Chengdu J-20.[67] In April 2021, Aviation Week & Space Technology reported that Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, also voiced support for a near-term E-7 acquisition.[68] In October 2021, the USAF published a "Notice of Contract Action", stating its intent to award Boeing a sole-source contract to study the E-7 to determine if it can meet USAF configuration standards and mandates.[69][70]

In April 2022, the U.S. Air Force announced that the E-7 would replace the E-3, as it "is the only platform capable of meeting the requirements for the Defense Department's tactical battle management, command and control and moving target indication capabilities within the timeframe needed..."[5][71] In 2023, an initial $1.2 billion contract was awarded to develop two new US-specific variants of the E-7. A final production decision for a total fleet of 26 aircraft is planned for 2025, with the first USAF E-7 entering service in 2027.[72][73][74]

NATO

[edit]

In 2022, NATO issued a "Request for Information" (RFI) for a capability to replace its 14 E-3A AWACS aircraft by 2035, with an "initial operational capability" by 2031.[75] Boeing stated that it had responded to the request, offering an E-7-based solution.[76][77] Saab and Northrop Grumman also responded to the RFI, offering, the GlobalEye and the Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, respectively.[77] In November 2023, NATO stated that they are to procure six E-7s to replace their E-3s, to begin operations from 2031. The E-7 is expected to be based at Geilenkirchen and could operate from several forward locations across Europe.[78]

Potential customers

[edit]

Saudi Arabia

[edit]

As of December 2023, Saudi Arabia is in the middle of a two-phase mid-life upgrade to its existing fleet of E-3 Sentry aircraft.[79] In August 2022, the U.S. Air Force revealed that Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in the E-7.[80]

Canada

[edit]

In April 2024, Canada announced it would be investing CA$5 billion on AEW&C capabilities. The GlobalEye may be a competitor to the E-7.[81][82]

Failed bids

[edit]

Italy

[edit]

In 2004, the Italian Air Force was considering the purchase of a total of 14 Wedgetail and P-8 MMA aircraft, with aircraft support to be provided by Alitalia.[83] In 2008, owing to budget constraints, Italy chose not to proceed with either aircraft and chose a smaller, less expensive, interim solution in place of the P-8, the ATR 72MP.[84] In 2012, Italy acquired two Gulfstream G550 CAEW as part of a counter-deal to Israel's $1 billion (~$1.31 billion in 2023) order for 30 Alenia Aermacchi M-346 advanced jet trainers,[85] followed by an additional order of two more aircraft in 2022.[86]

United Arab Emirates

[edit]

The Wedgetail was a competitor for the United Arab Emirates' AEW&C program in 2007.[87][88] In 2015, UAE selected the Saab GlobalEye over the Wedgetail and the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.[89]

Qatar

[edit]

In 2014, Qatar stated it planned to purchase three 737 AEW&C aircraft.[90] In 2018, Qatar decided not to proceed with the planned purchase.[91][92]

Operators

[edit]
A map with 737 AEW&C operators in blue

Current operators

[edit]
 Australia
 South Korea
 Turkey
 United Kingdom

Future operators

[edit]
 United States
 NATO

Specifications

[edit]
Side view

Data from Boeing[98]

General characteristics

  • Crew: mission: six to ten; flight: two[99]
  • Capacity: 43,720 lb (19,830 kg)
  • Length: 110 ft 4 in (33.6 m)
  • Wingspan: 117 ft 2 in (35.8 m)
  • Height: 41 ft 2 in (12.5 m)
  • Wing area: 980 sq ft (91 m2)
  • Airfoil: B737D
  • Empty weight: 102,750 lb (46,606 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 171,000 lb (77,600 kg)
  • Powerplant: 2 × CFM International CFM56-7B27A turbofan engines, 27,300 lbf (121 kN) thrust each

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 530 mph (853 km/h, 460 kn)
  • Range: 4,000 mi (6,500 km, 3,500 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 41,000 ft (12,500 m)

Avionics

See also

[edit]

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Wedgetail AEW&C Aircraft has achieved IPC" Archived 24 April 2013 at the Wayback Machine. airforceworld.com
  2. ^ Roza, David (2 March 2023). "The Air Force's new E-7A Wedgetail radar aircraft is ready for a fight". Task & Purpose. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  3. ^ Allison, George (22 March 2019). "A guide to the E-7 Wedgetail". UK Defence Journal. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  4. ^ Şahin, Anıl (2 March 2020). "HİK tespit etti F-16'lar vurdu" [HIK detected F-16s shot down]. SavunmaSanayiST (in Turkish).
  5. ^ a b "Air Force identifies Boeing E-7 as solution to replace the E-3 capability". Air Force. 26 April 2022. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
  6. ^ a b c "'Wedgetail' Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft: Project Management" (PDF). www.anao.gov.au. Australian National Audit Office. March 2004. Retrieved 27 December 2020.
  7. ^ "AIR 5077 – Project Wedgetail" Archived 27 February 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Defence Materiel Organisation
  8. ^ Newdick, Thomas (1 March 2023). "Air Force Orders First E-7 Jets To Replace Aging E-3 Sentry". The Drive. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  9. ^ "Northrop Grumman Begins Structural Testing of MESA Radar Antenna for Wedgetail AEW&C Aircraft". Northrop Grumman Newsroom. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  10. ^ Kopp, Carlo (1 June 1999). "Wedgetail – Australia's "Pocket AWACS"". Australian Aviation. 1999 (June).
  11. ^ "Multirole Electronically-Scanned Array (MESA) radar (United States), Airborne surveillance, maritime patrol and navigation radars". Jane's Information Group. Archived from the original on 29 April 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2016.
  12. ^ "Multirole Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar (United States), Payloads". Jane's Information Group. Archived from the original on 29 April 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2016.
  13. ^ "Boeing 737 AEW&C (United States), Aircraft – Fixed-wing – Military". Jane's Information Group. Archived from the original on 16 February 2013. Retrieved 7 March 2016.
  14. ^ "Wedgetail Aircraft Delivered to Boeing Australia for Airborne Early Warning and Control Modifications" (Press release). Boeing. 16 January 2006.
  15. ^ "BAE Systems Signs Wedgetail Agreement With Boeing" (Press release). BAE Systems. 17 May 2001. Archived from the original on 26 June 2021. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
  16. ^ Nelson, Brendan "Wedgetail Project" Archived 27 August 2006 at the Wayback Machine. Australian Minister for Defence press release.
  17. ^ "Radar down under Australia grapples with the Wedgetail AEW&C program". C4ISR Journal, 4 May 2007.
  18. ^ "Minister Tours Wedgetail Facility at BAE Systems Australia" Archived 25 May 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Australian DoD press release.
  19. ^ "Boeing Delivers 2 Wedgetail AEW&C Aircraft to Royal Australian Air Force" Archived 26 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Boeing, 26 November 2009.
  20. ^ "Boeing Wedgetail Aircraft Accepted Into Royal Australian Air Force Fleet" Archived 26 August 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Boeing, 5 May 2010.
  21. ^ Waldron, Greg. "RAAF receives final Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft" Archived 10 June 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Flight International, 5 June 2012.
  22. ^ "E-7A Wedgetail". Royal Australian Air Force. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  23. ^ Branagh, Ellen (2 April 2014). "Navy submarine joins search for jet's black boxes". Scotsman. Archived from the original on 26 June 2021.
  24. ^ "Islamic State: Royal Australian Air Force planes complete first flights over Iraq as part of international coalition against 'apocalyptic death cult'". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 2 October 2014. Archived from the original on 2 October 2014.
  25. ^ "RAAF's E-7A Wedgetails achieve FOC" Archived 26 May 2015 at the Wayback Machine – Flightglobal.com, 26 May 2015
  26. ^ "Wedgetail sets mission duration record" Archived 23 April 2018 at the Wayback Machine – Aviation Australia, 12 November 2015
  27. ^ "Wedgetail Endurance Mission" Archived 8 February 2015 at the Wayback Machine – Airforce.gov.au, 13 January 2015
  28. ^ "Air Task Group Wedgetail Achieves 100% Mission Success Rate in the Middle East" Archived 24 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Defence.gov.au, 8 April 2016
  29. ^ Hartigan, Brian (19 February 2019). "Wedgetail finished with the Middle East". CONTACT magazine. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  30. ^ Felton, Ben (20 October 2023). "RAAF Wedgetail arrives in Europe". Australian Defence Magazine. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  31. ^ "Wedgetail returns from support operations in Europe". defence.gov.au. Australian ministry of Defence. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  32. ^ 2024 Integrated Investment Program. Canberra: Department of Defence. 2024. p. 71. ISBN 978-1-925890-89-1.
  33. ^ Peace Eagle (PE) – Turkish Airborne Early Warning & Control System Archived 24 September 2010 at the Wayback Machine, Havelsan.
  34. ^ "Team World" Archived 27 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Boeing Frontier's magazine, August 2007.
  35. ^ "Boeing Installs MESA Antenna on First Peace Eagle Aircraft" Archived 5 September 2008 at the Wayback Machine. Boeing, 2 March 2006.
  36. ^ "Boeing Successfully Completes First Test Flight of AEW&C Peace Eagle Aircraft" Archived 24 January 2008 at the Wayback Machine, Boeing, 6 September 2007.
  37. ^ "Boeing Supplier Turkish Aerospace Industries Completes 1st In-Country Modification of Peace Eagle AEW&C Aircraft" Archived 12 June 2008 at the Wayback Machine. Boeing, 4 June 2008.
  38. ^ "Israel sends Turks EW systems despite rift." Archived 12 March 2013 at the Wayback Machine spacedaily.com
  39. ^ BEKDIL, BURAK EGE (8 February 2014). "Boeing Delivers 1st Spy Plane To Turkey; Faces Penalties". www.defensenews.com. Gannett Government Media. Archived from the original on 8 February 2014.
  40. ^ "TSK yeni yıldızı Barış Kartalı'na kavuştu" Archived 22 February 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Hürriyet, 21 February 2014.
  41. ^ a b "First Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft of the Peace Eagle Project, Kuzey (North) was taken into inventory" Archived 11 March 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Turkish Air Force
  42. ^ "Boeing Delivers Last AEW&C Aircraft to Turkey". Defense News, 9 December 2015.
  43. ^ Işık, Yusuf Emir (5 August 2023). "HİK uçakları milli sistemlerle uçacak". DefenceTurk (in Turkish). Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  44. ^ "South Korea picks Boeing for surveillance planes Archived 24 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine." Reuters. 8 November 2006.
  45. ^ "S. Korea drops IAI, keeps Boeing in $2 bln plane deal." Reuters. 3 August 2006. [dead link‍]
  46. ^ "Korea gets 1st early warning aircraft". The Korea Times. 1 August 2011. Archived from the original on 11 August 2011. Retrieved 2 August 2011.
  47. ^ "S. Korea to have 1st early warning aircraft". The Korea Times. 2 March 2011. Archived from the original on 4 March 2011.
  48. ^ "Boeing Delivers 2nd Peace Eye AEW&C Aircraft to Republic of Korea Air Force, Boeing Defense" Archived 18 January 2012 at the Wayback Machine . Boeing, 13 December 2011.
  49. ^ "공군, 16일부로 피스아이 3대 보유". Naver. Archived from the original on 8 January 2016. Retrieved 7 March 2016.
  50. ^ a b Gary Parsons, Gary. "Boeing Delivers Final Peace Eye to Korea" Archived 6 November 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Key Publishing via key.aero, 31 October 2012.
  51. ^ Kadidal, Akhil (7 June 2023). "South Korea to acquire new AEW&C aircraft to track North Korean missiles". Janes. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
  52. ^ Arthur, Gordon (22 February 2024). "Foreign firms vie for South Korea's airborne early warning contract". Defense News. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
  53. ^ Minseok, Kim (10 April 2024). "South Korea Delays E-X Phase 2 AEW Tender Due To Documentation Issues". Aerospace Daily. Retrieved 11 April 2024 – via Aviation Week & Space Technology. The revised RFP window is expected to close on April 19.
  54. ^ Chuter, Andrew (2 October 2018). "Britain confirms talks with Boeing over potential $2.6B Wedgetail aircraft buy". Defense News. London. Archived from the original on 6 October 2018. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
  55. ^ Chuter, Andrew (17 October 2018). "Lawmaker accuses British defense minister of Boeing favoritism". Defense News. London. Archived from the original on 29 October 2018. Retrieved 29 October 2018.
  56. ^ Hoyle, Craig (24 October 2018). "Saab voices opposition to UK Wedgetail buy". Flight Global. London. Archived from the original on 29 October 2018. Retrieved 29 October 2018.
  57. ^ "Wedgetain to be RAF's new early warning radar aircraft". Royal Air Force. 22 March 2019. Archived from the original on 22 March 2019. Retrieved 22 March 2019.
  58. ^ "Boeing Grows RAF Wedgetail Industry Team". Key.aero. Key Publishing. 1 June 2020. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
  59. ^ Hoyle, Craig (20 May 2020). "Boeing picks STS for UK Wedgetail conversions". www.flightglobal.com.
  60. ^ a b Perry, Dominic (13 May 2019). "RAF to get second-hand jets as part of Wedgetail buy". Flight Global.
  61. ^ Quin, Jeremy (8 June 2020). "AWACS: Procurement:Written question – 51653". UK Parliament.
  62. ^ Lake, Jon (December 2020). "UK Wedgetail at risk?". AirForces Monthly. Stamford, Lincs: Key Publishing Ltd. p. 75.
  63. ^ a b "Ministry of Defence Integrated Review Command Paper". GOV.UK. 30 July 2021.
  64. ^ Bozyk, Piotr (10 October 2022). "RAF Lossiemouth Base preparing for arrival of UK E-7 Wedgetail fleet". Archived from the original on 11 October 2022. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
  65. ^ a b "British air chief eyes return to five-strong Wedgetail buy". Defense News. 1 February 2023. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
  66. ^ Everstine, Brian W. (24 February 2021). "PACAF Boss Calls for E-7s to Replace Aging E-3 AWACS". Air Force Magazine. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
  67. ^ Waldron, Greg (17 March 2022). "E-3 insufficient for timely detection of J-20: Pacific Air Forces chief". Flight Global. Archived from the original on 18 March 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  68. ^ Richmond, Sterling (14 April 2021). "Program Dossier: Boeing E-7A Wedgetail". Aviation Week & Space Technology.
  69. ^ "E-3 Replacement Aircraft Studies & Analyses". sam.gov. Retrieved 2 November 2021.
  70. ^ Insinna, Valerie (21 October 2021). "The US Air Force Just Inched Closer To Buying Boeing's E-7A Wedgetail". Breaking Defense.
  71. ^ Insinna, Valerie (26 April 2022). "Air Force chooses Boeing E-7 Wedgetail to replace old AWACS planes". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
  72. ^ a b "Boeing Receives U.S. Air Force E-7 Airborne Early Warning & Control Aircraft Contract" (Press release). Boeing. 28 February 2023. Retrieved 1 March 2023 – via boeing.mediaroom.com.
  73. ^ a b "U.S. Air Force Awards First E-7A Contract To Boeing". Aviation Week & Space Technology. 28 February 2023. Retrieved 2 March 2023. The service is using the rapid prototyping acquisition pathway to acquire the first two E-7As ahead of a planned production decision in fiscal 2025. The Air Force wants the first E-7A fielded in 2027. ... The service in a Feb. 28 statement says it plans to field 26 aircraft, an increase from the 22 outlined in a June 2022 sole-source justification document.
  74. ^ a b Losey, Stephen (1 March 2023). "US Air Force awards Boeing first contract for fleet of 26 E-7 aircraft". Defense News. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  75. ^ "Notice of Request for Information Synopsis for an Initial Alliance Future Surveillance and Control (AFSC) Capability". NATO. 12 December 2022. 22LFM001 – via NATO Procurement and Support Agency (NPSA).
  76. ^ Martin, Tim (24 February 2023). "NATO begins assessment of E-3A replacement; Wedgetail, GlobalEye in the running". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 2 March 2023.
  77. ^ a b Osborne, Tony (21 February 2023). "Boeing, Saab, Northrop Respond To NATO E-3 Successor Calls". Aviation Week & Space Technology. Retrieved 2 March 2023.
  78. ^ a b "NATO strengthens situational awareness with next generation of command and control aircraft". NATO. 15 November 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  79. ^ Jouppi, Matthew; Richmond, Sterling (13 December 2023). "Major Military Aviation Competitions To Be Resolved In 2024". Aviation Week & Space Technology.
  80. ^ Albon, Courtney (11 August 2022). "US Air Force moves to shield Wedgetail acquisition from continuing resolution". Defense News. ... Saudi Arabia has shown interest in the platform ...
  81. ^ "Canada Plans To Spend $5 Billion On AEW Aircraft". Aviation Week Network (aviationweek.com). Retrieved 25 April 2024.
  82. ^ PK (23 April 2024). "Le Canada désire un avion d'alerte précoce AEW&C !". Avia news (in French). Retrieved 25 April 2024.
  83. ^ Nativi, Andy (21 June 2004). "U.S. MMA Decision Reverberates in Italy". Aviation Week & Space Technology. Genoa.
  84. ^ Alegi, G. (22 September 2008). "Quattro ATR 72 da pattugliamento marittimo" [Four ATR 72 maritime patrol cars for the Italian Air Force]. Dedalonews (in Italian). Archived from the original on 15 May 2009.
  85. ^ "Italy signs G550 AEW deal with Israel". Flight Global. 20 July 2012.
  86. ^ "Secret NATO Client of Israeli Spy Planes Revealed". Haaretz. 28 April 2022. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  87. ^ Wall, Robert (1 December 2007). "Middle East militaries focus on surveillance, missile defense". Aviation Week & Space Technology. Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  88. ^ "Northrop Grumman E-2D Back in Competition for UAEAF AEW Platform". Defense News. [dead link‍]. 22 February 2007.
  89. ^ Batey, Angus (10 November 2015). "UAE, Saab Strike $1.27 Billion Erieye Deal". Aviation Week & Space Technology. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  90. ^ Menon, Praveen (27 March 2014). "Update 2-Qatar buys helicopters, missiles in $23 bln arms deals". Reuters. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  91. ^ Jennings, Gareth (18 October 2018). "Qatar opts not to complete E-737 AEW&C; deal". Jane's 360. London. Archived from the original on 19 October 2018.
  92. ^ "Qatar's Air Force Multipliers: Aerial Tankers and AEW&C". Defense Industry Daily. 24 May 2019. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  93. ^ "RAAF's Wedgetail Squadron marks history by celebrating battle honours" Archived 11 April 2013 at the Wayback Machine. Australian Department of Defence, 30 November 2012.
  94. ^ "공군, 피스아이 2~3대 추가도입 필요성 제기" Archived 11 December 2013 at the Wayback Machine. 9 July 2013.
  95. ^ "WON By Default: Korea's E-737 AWACS". Defense Industry Daily. 11 October 2016. Archived from the original on 2 April 2019. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
  96. ^ "Turkey receives final Peace Eagle AEW&C platform". janes.com. Archived from the original on 5 January 2016. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
  97. ^ "Point Air Defense Needs of the Turkish Air Force". Defence Turkey. October 2021. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  98. ^ "737 Airborne Early Warning and Control" (PDF). Boeing. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 June 2011. Retrieved 5 August 2011.
  99. ^ "Boeing: Airborne Early Warning and Control". Boeing. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Boeing E-7 Wedgetail.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Boeing_E-7_Wedgetail&oldid=1258100683"