A30 Boeing 737 Wedgetail
Boeing was awarded an Initial Design Activity (IDA) contract by the Commonwealth in December 1997 for supply of an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, and was announced as the preferred tenderer in August 1999. The contract for system acquisition was then signed in December 2000. The first two aircraft are planned to be in service with No 2 Squadron at RAAF Williamtown by late 2006, with four more due for delivery by 2008.
Australian industry involvement in Project Wedgetail will total more than $A480 million. Completion of the four aircraft in Australia will increase that Australian industry involvement by $80 million. Strategic industry development activity worth an additional $99 million has also been included with the purchase of the additional aircraft.
The program, named Project Air 5077 'Wedgetail' after our native eagle, delivers an integrated AEW&C capability to the RAAF consisting of five segments:
- Airborne Mission Systems (AMS)
- AEW&C Support Facility (ASF)
- Operational Mission Simulator (OMS)
- Operational Flight Trainer (OFT)
- Mission Support Segment (MSS), which also includes Initial Support Period (ISS) for operation, maintenance and support plus through-life-support and the building to house the ground segments.
The AEW&C airborne system combines the new high-performance Boeing 737-700 aircraft with the new technology Northrop-Grumman multi-role electronically-scanned array (MESA) radar. Included in the platform are an advanced identification friend or foe (IFF) system; an expanded passive electronic surveillance system; a flexible open-system architecture and a highly effective self-defence capability.
The 737-700, which features state-of-the-art avionics, navigation equipment and flight deck, is the most popular and reliable jet aircraft in the world. Airlines and operators have ordered more than 5000 with more than 3100 having been delivered. This large in-service fleet is supported by a world-wide infrastructure of suppliers, parts and support equipment. With its speed, extended range and ability to fly to altitudes of more than 40,000 feet, the 737-700 offers an ideal AEW&C platform.
Using the latest sensor technology, Northrop-Grumman's 360-degree electronically-steerable-beam MESA radar is able to track air and sea targets simultaneously and can help the operator track high-performance aircraft while continuously scanning the operational area. More than 600 hours of wind tunnel testing have demonstrated the compatibility of the aircraft and the radar. The 737 AEW&C platform, with its advanced technology and interoperability with the E-3 and 767 airborne warning and control system aircraft, is designed to fill the airborne-surveillance needs of Australia and the world-wide market. Australia is the launch customer. The 737 AEW&C system has also been selected by Turkey and a number of other proposals are in varying stages of maturity.
For the Wedgetail Project, Boeing and Northrop-Grumman are joined by BAE Systems Australia, who will provide the passive surveillance system, electronic warfare self-protect system, operational mission simulator, AEW&C support facility and mission support segment.
TECHNICAL DATA: Boeing 737-700 Wedgetail
DESCRIPTION:
Airborne early warning and control aircraft.
POWER PLANT:
Two CFM International CFM56-7 turbofans, each rated at 118.4kN (27,300 lb) thrust
WEIGHT:
Maximum take-off weight 77 565 kg (171 000 lb);
DIMENSIONS:
Wing span 34.31 m (112 ft 7 in); Length 33.63 m (110 ft 4 in); Height 12.57 m (41 ft 3 in).
PERFORMANCE:
Patrol endurance of nine hours at 555 km (300 nm) from base; service ceiling 41,000 ft (12 500 m).
ARMAMENT:
None
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