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Boeing E-7 Wedgetail

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Boeing E-7 Wedgetail
NameE-7 Wedgetail
TypeAirborne early warning and control
ManufacturerBoeing
First flight2004
Introduction2009
StatusIn service
Primary userRoyal Australian Air Force
More usersTurkish Air Force, Republic of Korea Air Force, Royal Air Force
Number built14+ (as of 2024)
Developed fromBoeing 737 Next Generation

Boeing E-7 Wedgetail is an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft developed from the Boeing 737 Next Generation airliner. It was originally developed for the Royal Australian Air Force under Project Wedgetail to replace its aging AP-3C ELINT fleet. The aircraft is distinguished by its distinctive Northrop Grumman Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar mounted atop the fuselage, providing 360-degree coverage. The E-7 has been adopted by several allied nations and is considered a successor to the Boeing E-3 Sentry in many services.

Development and origins

The origins of the E-7 lie in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when the Royal Australian Air Force began studying replacements for its Lockheed AP-3C Orion electronic intelligence aircraft. This effort crystallized into Project Wedgetail in the late 1990s, with the requirement for a new airborne early warning and control platform. Boeing was selected as the prime contractor in 1999, proposing a modified Boeing 737-700 airframe, which offered commonality with the 737-based AEW&C platform also offered to Turkey and South Korea. The key sensor, the Northrop Grumman MESA radar, was developed from technology pioneered in the E-2 Hawkeye and represents a significant advancement over traditional rotodome systems like that on the Boeing E-3 Sentry. The first aircraft, designated A30-001, made its maiden flight in 2004.

Design and features

The E-7's primary feature is its top-mounted, fixed Northrop Grumman MESA radar antenna, which is housed in a long, canoe-shaped radome. Unlike the rotating radome of the E-3 Sentry, the MESA uses electronically scanned array technology to provide simultaneous 360-degree surveillance and tracking of airborne and maritime targets. The aircraft is based on the Boeing 737-700 airframe, fitted with CFM International CFM56 engines, and strengthened to support the radar array. The mission system integrates data from the radar, IFF, and electronic support measures into a comprehensive tactical picture displayed on ten consoles for a crew of up to 12 mission specialists. This network-centric warfare capability allows it to serve as a key battle management and command and control node, linking with assets like the F-35 Lightning II and F/A-18 Super Hornet.

Operational history

The Royal Australian Air Force achieved initial operational capability with its six E-7A aircraft in 2012, following a protracted development and testing period. The fleet has been deployed on numerous operations, including Operation Okra over Iraq and Syria, providing battle management for coalition aircraft. The Turkish Air Force received four aircraft, designated Peace Eagle, which have been used in operations against the Kurdistan Workers' Party and in NATO exercises. The Republic of Korea Air Force operates four E-7s, known as the Peace Eye, for surveillance of North Korea. In 2022, the United Kingdom selected the E-7 to replace its NATO Airborne Early Warning Force E-3D Sentry fleet, with the Royal Air Force planning to acquire three aircraft. The platform has proven highly effective in exercises like Exercise Pitch Black and Red Flag.

Operators

* Australia: The Royal Australian Air Force operates six E-7A Wedgetails from RAAF Base Williamtown with No. 2 Squadron RAAF. * Turkey: The Turkish Air Force operates four E-7T Peace Eagle aircraft from Konya Air Base. * South Korea: The Republic of Korea Air Force operates four E-7 Peace Eye aircraft. * United Kingdom: The Royal Air Force has ordered three E-7A Wedgetails to be based at RAF Lossiemouth, with deliveries expected from the mid-2020s. * United States: The United States Air Force has announced plans to acquire 26 E-7A aircraft to begin replacing its E-3 Sentry fleet.

Specifications (E-7A)

General characteristics * Crew: 2 flight crew + 6–10 mission crew * Length: 33.6 m (110 ft 4 in) * Wingspan: 35.8 m (117 ft 5 in) * Height: 12.5 m (41 ft) * Powerplant: 2 × CFM International CFM56-7B27A turbofan engines * Max takeoff weight: 77,600 kg (171,000 lb)

Performance * Range: 6,500 km (3,500 nmi) * Endurance: 9+ hours (unrefueled) * Service ceiling: 41,000 ft (12,500 m)

Avionics * Northrop Grumman MESA radar (L-band) * IFF interrogator * Electronic support measures suite * Comprehensive communications suite including Link 16

Category:Military aircraft Category:Airborne early warning and control aircraft Category:Boeing aircraft