The first of the RAF’s new Wedgetail early warning aircraft has made its maiden test flight from Birmingham Airport, UK.
The Functional Check flight tested flying control, engine, and avionics systems and marks a milestone in the delivery of the UK RAF’s new Airborne Warning and Control (AEW&C) capability.
The Boeing E7 Wedgetail is a Boeing 737 modified with a Northrup Grumman Multirole Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar. The advanced radar is built into a fin placed on the spine of the aircraft.
The RAF has ordered three Wedgetails, and the aircraft are being built by STS Aviation Services in Birmingham, UK. The first is due to enter service for the RAF next year.
The Wedgetails will be operated by 8 Squadron from RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland, where the P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft fleet is also based.
The E7 Wedgetail is already in service with the Royal Australian, Republic of South Korean and Turkish Air Forces and has recently been selected by the US Air Force and NATO as their next command and control aircraft.
The Wedgetail provides the capability to detect aircraft and threats beyond the range of ground-based systems and fighter aircraft sensors and can generate a 360° view of airspace. It will provide advanced warning of approaching threats to enable commanders to fight effectively in complex environments, said the UK Ministry of Defence.
Group Captain Richard Osselton, RAF programme director for Wedgetail said, “Achieving the first flight of Wedgetail is a significant milestone, representing an outstanding effort from the RAF programme team, Defence Equipment & Support , Boeing, and STS Aviation Services.
“We will now build on this success and look forward to continuing the Test & Evaluation phase as part of our preparations for the aircraft to enter service with the RAF.”
Capable of fulfilling a range of missions, Wedgetail can provide high fidelity target information using a
The MESA, combined with an advanced communications suite enables the crew to provide tactical control to other assets via voice and tactical data link whilst enhancing the situational awareness of Joint Force commanders.
Stu Voboril, Boeing vice president and E-7 program manager said, “This safe and systematic Functional Check Flight is an important step for Boeing and the RAF as part of our rigorous and extensive testing and evaluation.
“Our team is committed to ensuring the E-7 delivers the safety, quality, and capabilities we’ve promised to our customer as we prepare for delivery of the UK’s first E-7 Wedgetail to the RAF.”
