| |
---|---|
A Royal Australian Air Force Boeing E-7A Wedgetail | |
Role | Airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) |
Manufacturer |
|
First flight | 2004 |
Introduction | November 2012 [1] |
Status | In service |
Primary users | Royal Australian Air Force |
Number built | 14 |
Developed from | Boeing 737 Next Generation |
The Boeing E-7 Wedgetail 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]
The Australian Department of Defence evaluated industry proposals for airborne surveillance and early warning systems as early as 1986. [6] Further studies led to the approval of the first phase of Project AIR 5077 in 1994. [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 covers two 120° sectors from 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]
In addition, the radar antenna array is also doubled 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 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 features eight operator consoles with sufficient space for four more; the Australian fleet will operate ten consoles with space for two more (four on starboard side and six on the port side). [13]
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]
On 29 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. Additionally, Boeing incurred $770 million (~$1.12 billion in 2023) in charges over the delay in 2006. [17] On 20 June 2008, Boeing announced a further delay due to integration issues with the radar and Electronic Support Measure (ESM) systems. [18]
On 26 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 on 5 May 2010. [20] The RAAF accepted its sixth and last 737 AEW&C on 5 June 2012. [21] All RAAF Wedgetails are operated by No. 2 Squadron RAAF and based at RAAF Base Williamtown with a permanent detachment at RAAF Base Tindal.[ citation needed ] In November 2012, the Wedgetail achieved Initial Operational Capability. [1]
On 1 April 2014, the first operational sortie occurred in the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, helping control maritime patrol aircraft off Western Australia's coast. [22] 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). [23] On 26 May 2015, the Wedgetail fleet achieved final operational capability (FOC). [24]
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. [25] Australian Wedgetail crews routinely perform 13-hour missions. [26] 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. [27] The final Wedgetail rotation to the Middle East ended in early 2019. [28]
An Australian Wedgetail was deployed to Europe in October 2023 to contribute to international efforts to protect the flow of supplies to Ukraine following the Russian invasion of the country. This deployment is scheduled to last for six months. [29]
The Australian Government's 2024 Integrated Investment Program included a commitment to allocate $A5 billion to $A7 billion to replace the Wedgetail fleet in the period between the 2024-25 and 2033-34 financial years. [30]
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. [31] HAVELSAN is also the only foreign company licensed by the U.S. Government to receive critical source codes. [32] Peace Eagle 1 was modified and tested by Boeing in the US, while 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. [33]
In September 2007, Boeing completed the first Peace Eagle test flight. [34] On 4 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. [35] In 2013, Israel delivered EW equipment for the Peace Eagle under US pressure. [36] On 21 February 2014, the first Peace Eagle, named Kuzey (meaning North), was formally accepted by the Turkish Air Force. [37] [38] [39] The remaining three aircraft are named Güney (South), Doğu (East) and Batı (West). [39] The fourth and final Peace Eagle was delivered in December 2015. [40]
In IDEF 2023 was 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 scope of modernization the aircraft will be equipped with IFF Mode 5 Responder, Karetta CRPA Antenna, Mission Computer Hardware developed by Aselsan. [41]
On 7 November 2006, Boeing won a $1.6 billion contract with South Korea to deliver four aircraft by 2012. [42] Boeing beat the other entrant, IAI Elta's Gulfstream G550-based aircraft, which was eliminated from the competition in August 2006. [43] The first Peace Eye aircraft was delivered to Gimhae Air Base, Busan for acceptance testing on 1 August 2011 [44] with the remaining three aircraft delivered every six months until 2012. [45] The second aircraft was modified into an AEW&C configuration by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), then delivered to Gimhae Air Base on 13 December 2011. [46] After receiving AEW&C modifications by KAI, the third aircraft was delivered on 17 May 2012 to Gimhae Air Base. [47] The fourth aircraft was delivered on 24 October 2012. [48]
South Korea initiated a competitive program in 2023 to acquire four additional AEW&C aircraft. [49] The Boeing E-7, Saab Global Eye, and a L3Harris Gulfstream-based variant are competing for the contract. [50] Final proposals are due by 19 April 2024. [51]
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. [52] The apparent decision to proceed with procurement without a competition received some criticism, with the Ministry of Defence accused of displaying favouritism towards Boeing, [53] while Saab voiced its opposition to the "non-competitive" deal as it could offer the Erieye system mounted on Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft. [54] On 22 March 2019, it was announced by Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson that the UK had signed a $1.98 billion (~$2.33 billion in 2023) deal to purchase five E-7 Wedgetails. [55] The aircraft is to be designated as the "Wedgetail AEW1". [56]
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. [57] Two of the five aircraft are to be converted commercial airliners and the rest are to be new. [58] Each conversion takes about 24 months, with work on the first aircraft starting in 2021 and the last to be completed in 2026. [58] As of June 2020, the first Wedgetail delivery had been expected in 2023. [59] 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." [60] The 2021 Integrated Defence Review confirmed the reduced order of three aircraft. [61] In late 2022, it was reported that initial operating capability for the aircraft had slipped to 2024. [62] In February 2023, Air Chief Marshal Michael Wigston stated that the order of three aircraft may gradually rise to five. [63]
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. [64] 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. [65] 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. [66] [67]
On 26 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] [68] An initial $1.2 billion contract was awarded in 2023 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. [69] [70] [71]
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. [72] Boeing stated that it had responded to the request, offering an E-7-based solution. [73] [74] Saab and Northrop Grumman also responded to the RFI, offering, the GlobalEye and Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, respectively. [74] On 15 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. [75]
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. [76] However, 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, [77] and then in 2012 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, [78] followed by an additional order of two more aircraft in 2022. [79]
The Wedgetail was a competitor for the United Arab Emirates' AEW&C program in 2007. [80] [81] In 2015, UAE selected the Saab GlobalEye over the Wedgetail and the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. [82]
In 2014, Qatar stated it planned to purchase three 737 AEW&C aircraft. [83] In 2018, Qatar decided not to proceed with the planned purchase. [84] [85]
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. [86] However, in August 2022, the U.S. Air Force revealed that Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in the E-7. [87]
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. [88] [89]
Data fromBoeing [95]
General characteristics
Performance
Avionics
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
The Boeing E-3 Sentry is an American airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft developed by Boeing. E-3s are commonly known as AWACS. Derived from the Boeing 707 airliner, it provides all-weather surveillance, command, control, and communications, and is used by the United States Air Force, NATO, French Air and Space Force, Royal Saudi Air Force and Chilean Air Force. The E-3 has a distinctive rotating radar dome (rotodome) above the fuselage. Production ended in 1992 after 68 aircraft had been built.
The Northrop Grumman E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System is a retired United States Air Force (USAF) airborne ground surveillance, battle management and command and control aircraft. It tracks ground vehicles and some aircraft, collects imagery, and relays tactical pictures to ground and air theater commanders. The aircraft was operated by both active duty USAF and Air National Guard units and also carried specially trained U.S. Army personnel as additional flight crew until its retirement in 2023.
The Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye is an American all-weather, carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft. This twin-turboprop aircraft was designed and developed during the late 1950s and early 1960s by the Grumman Aircraft Company for the United States Navy as a replacement for the earlier, piston-engined E-1 Tracer, which was rapidly becoming obsolete. The aircraft's performance has been upgraded with the E-2B and E-2C versions, where most of the changes were made to the radar and radio communications due to advances in electronic integrated circuits and other electronics. The fourth major version of the Hawkeye is the E-2D, which first flew in 2007. The E-2 was the first aircraft designed specifically for AEW, as opposed to a modification of an existing airframe, such as the Boeing E-3 Sentry. Variants of the Hawkeye have been in continuous production since 1960, giving it the longest production run of any carrier-based aircraft.
An airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system is an airborne radar early warning system designed to detect aircraft, ships, vehicles, missiles and other incoming projectiles at long ranges, as well as performing command and control of the battlespace in aerial engagements by informing and directing friendly fighter and attack aircraft. AEW&C units are also used to carry out aerial surveillance over ground and maritime targets, and frequently perform battle management command and control (BMC2). When used at altitude, the radar system on AEW&C aircraft allows the operators to detect, track and prioritize targets and identify friendly aircraft from hostile ones in real-time and from much farther away than ground-based radars. Like ground-based radars, AEW&C systems can be detected and targeted by opposing forces, but due to aircraft mobility and extended sensor range, they are much less vulnerable to counter-attacks than ground systems.
The Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) is a European aerial refuelling and military transport aircraft based on the civilian Airbus A330. A total of 16 countries have placed firm orders for approximately 68 aircraft, of which 51 had been delivered by 30 November 2020. A version of the A330 MRTT, the EADS/Northrop Grumman KC-45, was selected by the United States Air Force for its aerial tanker replacement programme, but the programme was cancelled.
The Boeing P-8 Poseidon is an American maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft developed and produced by Boeing Defense, Space & Security, and derived from the civilian Boeing 737-800. It was developed for the United States Navy (USN).
The Northrop Grumman E-10 MC2A was planned as a multi-role military aircraft to replace the Boeing 707-based E-3 Sentry and E-8 Joint STARS, the Boeing 747-based E-4B, and the RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft in US military service. The E-10 was based on the Boeing 767-400ER commercial airplane.
The Boeing EA-18G Growler is an American carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft, a specialized version of the two-seat Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet. The EA-18G replaced the Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowlers in service with the United States Navy. The Growler's electronic warfare capability is primarily provided by Northrop Grumman. The EA-18G began production in 2007 and entered operational service with the US Navy in late 2009. Australia has also purchased thirteen EA-18Gs, which entered service with the Royal Australian Air Force in 2017.
Boeing Australia Holdings Pty Ltd., or simply Boeing Australia, is Boeing's largest subdivision outside the United States. Established in 2002, the company oversees its seven wholly owned subsidiaries, consolidating and co-ordinating Boeing's businesses and operations in Australia.
E7, E07, E-7 or E7 may refer to:
The Turkish Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the Turkish Armed Forces. It traces its origins to June 1911 when it was founded as the Aviation Squadrons by the Ottoman Empire. It was composed of the Army Aviation Squadrons founded in 1911, and the Naval Aviation Squadrons founded in 1914 which used seaplanes. The Air Force as a branch of the Turkish Armed Forces was founded by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey on 23 April 1920.
The Australian International Airshow, also called the Avalon Airshow, is a large air show held biennially at Avalon Airport, between Melbourne and Geelong in Victoria.
No. 2 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) squadron that operates from RAAF Base Williamtown, near Newcastle, New South Wales. From its formation in 1916 as part of the Australian Flying Corps, it has flown a variety of aircraft types including fighters, bombers, and Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C). During World War I, the squadron operated on the Western Front conducting fighter sweeps and ground-attack missions. It was disbanded in mid-1919, following the end of hostilities. The squadron was briefly re-raised in 1922 as part of the newly independent RAAF, but was disbanded after only a couple of months and not reformed until 1937. It saw action as a bomber unit in the South West Pacific theatre of World War II and, equipped with English Electric Canberra jets, in the Malayan Emergency and the Vietnam War. The squadron was again disbanded in 1982, following the retirement of the Canberra. It was re-formed in 2000 to operate the Boeing 737 AEW&C "Wedgetail". One of the six Boeing 737s was deployed to the Middle East in September 2014, as part of Australia's contribution to the military coalition against ISIS.
No. 42 Wing is a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) wing responsible for supporting the service's Boeing E-7A Wedgetail aircraft. It was first formed in February 1943, and commanded RAAF radar stations in north Queensland and the south coast of Dutch New Guinea until being disbanded in October 1944. It was re-raised in its current role in 2006.
The Boeing E-767 is an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft that was designed in response to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's requirements. It is essentially the Boeing E-3 Sentry's surveillance radar and air control system installed on a Boeing 767-200.
Boeing E-7 may refer to:
GlobalEye is a multi-role airborne early warning & control (AEW&C) platform from Swedish defence and security company Saab. GlobalEye consists of a suite of sensors using Saab's Erieye ER radar and mission system, installed in the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 long-range business jet.
The Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) is an active electronically scanned array surveillance radar system for the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft. The radar is produced by Northrop Grumman.
The revised RFP window is expected to close on April 19.
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.
... Saudi Arabia has shown interest in the platform ...