Wedgetail (AEW&C) Aircraft
The Royal Australian Air Force Wedgetail airborne early warning and
control (AEW&C) aircraft will begin entering service in 2009. Six
Boeing 737 NGs are currently being modified to accommodate
sophisticated mission systems and radars that will increase Australia's
surveillance and air combat capability, provide air defence support for
our naval fleet, and assist in civil operations such as border
protection and search and rescue.
The Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft will be operated by No 2 Squadron from RAAF Base Williamtown, near Newcastle.
The first two Wedgetails are being modified in the United States of
America, with the remaining four being modified at RAAF Base Amberley,
near Brisbane.
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Boeing 737 NG Wedgetail AEW&C technical specifications
| Manufacturer |
Boeing |
| Role |
Airborne early warning and control |
| Crew |
Pilot, co-pilot and airborne electronics analysts and mission specialists (10 mission consoles) |
| Engine |
Two CFM International CFM56-7 turbofans (118.4kN (27,300 lb) thrust each) |
| Airframe |
Length 33.6 m, height 12.6 m |
| Wingspan |
34.3 m |
| Weight |
Maximum take-off weight 77,565 kg, maximum landing weight 60,782 kg |
| Speed |
Maximum 870 km/h, cruise 760 km/h |
| Endurance |
10 hours (without air-to-air refuelling) |
| Ceiling |
12,500 m (41,000 feet) |
| Equipment |
- Multi-role electronically scanned array (MESA) radar with range in excess of 400 km
- Electronic warfare self-protection measures including
directed infra-red counter-measures , chaff and flares
- Communication systems including
HF, VHF, UHF,
Link-11, Link-16,
UHF SATCOM and ICS
|
