Boeing E-7 Wedgetail
Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:Use Australian English Template:Infobox aircraft
The Boeing E-7 Wedgetail, also marketed as the Boeing 737 AEW&C, 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.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> 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,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> the Republic of Korea Air Force ("Project Peace Eye", Template:Korean), 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.<ref name=":1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Design and developmentEdit
As early as 1986, the Australian Department of Defence evaluated industry proposals for airborne surveillance and early warning systems.<ref name=ANAO>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 1994, further studies led to the approval of the first phase of Project AIR 5077.<ref name=ANAO/> In 1996, Australia issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the aircraft for the RAAF under Project Wedgetail, which refers to the indigenous eagle.<ref>"AIR 5077 – Project Wedgetail" Template:Webarchive. Defence Materiel Organisation</ref> In 1999, Australia awarded Boeing Integrated Defense Systems a contract to supply four AEW&C aircraft with options for three additional aircraft.<ref name=ANAO/>
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.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Despite this, the radar is still able to offer 360-degree azimuth scan using two broadside (side-emitting) electronic manifold arrays, each covering two 120° sectors to starboard and port, and an end-fire array housed within the top hat that covers a 60° front and aft of the aircraft.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
The radar antenna array also serves as an ELINT array, with a maximum range of over 850 km at Template:Convert altitude.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Radar signal processing equipment and a central computer are installed directly below the antenna array.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
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 has eight operator consoles with sufficient space for four more. The Australian fleet will operate ten consoles with space for two more, four on the starboard side and six on the port side.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Operational historyEdit
AustraliaEdit
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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.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref>
In 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.<ref name="MoD_wedgetail_pr">Nelson, Brendan "Wedgetail Project" Template:Webarchive. Australian Minister for Defence press release.</ref> Boeing announced an 18-month delay due to problems integrating radar and sensor systems, and did not expect delivery until early 2009. Boeing incurred $770 million (~$Template:Format price in Template:Inflation/year) in charges over the delay in 2006.<ref name="boe_charges">"Radar down under Australia grapples with the Wedgetail AEW&C program". C4ISR Journal, 4 May 2007.</ref> In June 2008, Boeing announced a further delay due to integration issues with the radar and Electronic Support Measure (ESM) systems.<ref name="Minister_Tours_Facility">"Minister Tours Wedgetail Facility at BAE Systems Australia" Template:Webarchive. Australian DoD press release.</ref>
In November 2009, Boeing delivered the first two 737 AEW&Cs to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).<ref>"Boeing Delivers 2 Wedgetail AEW&C Aircraft to Royal Australian Air Force" Template:Webarchive. Boeing, 26 November 2009.</ref> These aircraft remained Boeing owned and operated prior to the RAAF's formal acceptance in May 2010.<ref>"Boeing Wedgetail Aircraft Accepted Into Royal Australian Air Force Fleet" Template:Webarchive. Boeing, 5 May 2010.</ref> The RAAF accepted its sixth and last 737 AEW&C in June 2012.<ref>Waldron, Greg. "RAAF receives final Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft" Template:Webarchive. Flight International, 5 June 2012.</ref> All RAAF Wedgetails are operated by No. 2 Squadron RAAF and based at RAAF Base Williamtown.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In November 2012, the Wedgetail achieved Initial Operational Capability.<ref name=Wedgetail_Intro>"Wedgetail AEW&C Aircraft has achieved IPC" Template:Webarchive. airforceworld.com</ref>
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On 1 April 2014, the Wedgetail's first operational sortie occurred in the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, helping control maritime patrol aircraft off Western Australia's coast.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 1 October 2014, a Wedgetail conducted the first Australian sortie over Iraq supporting coalition forces conducting airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIL).<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In May 2015, the Wedgetail fleet achieved final operational capability (FOC).<ref name = "foc 2015">"RAAF's E-7A Wedgetails achieve FOC" Template:Webarchive – Flightglobal.com, 26 May 2015</ref>
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.<ref>"Wedgetail sets mission duration record" Template:Webarchive – Aviation Australia, 12 November 2015</ref> Australian Wedgetail crews routinely perform 13-hour missions.<ref>"Wedgetail Endurance Mission" Template:Webarchive – Airforce.gov.au, 13 January 2015</ref> 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.<ref>"Air Task Group Wedgetail Achieves 100% Mission Success Rate in the Middle East" Template:Webarchive. Defence.gov.au, 8 April 2016</ref> The final Wedgetail rotation to the Middle East ended in early 2019.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In October 2023, an Australian Wedgetail was deployed to Europe to contribute to international efforts to protect the flow of supplies to Ukraine following the Russian invasion of the country. The deployment was scheduled to last for six months.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Wedgetail returned to Australia in early April 2024.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
The Australian Government's 2024 Integrated Investment Program included a commitment to allocate $A5 billion to $A7 billion to replace the Wedgetail fleet between the 2024–25 and 2033–34 financial years.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
TurkeyEdit
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.<ref>Peace Eagle (PE) – Turkish Airborne Early Warning & Control System Template:Webarchive, Havelsan.</ref> HAVELSAN is the only foreign company licensed by the U.S. Government to receive critical source codes.<ref>"Team World" Template:Webarchive. Boeing Frontier's magazine, August 2007.</ref> Peace Eagle 1 was modified and tested by Boeing in the US. 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.<ref name="MESA_install">"Boeing Installs MESA Antenna on First Peace Eagle Aircraft" Template:Webarchive. Boeing, 2 March 2006.</ref>
In September 2007, Boeing completed the first Peace Eagle test flight.<ref>"Boeing Successfully Completes First Test Flight of AEW&C Peace Eagle Aircraft" Template:Webarchive, Boeing, 6 September 2007.</ref> In 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.<ref>"Boeing Supplier Turkish Aerospace Industries Completes 1st In-Country Modification of Peace Eagle AEW&C Aircraft" Template:Webarchive. Boeing, 4 June 2008.</ref> In 2013, Israel delivered EW equipment for the Peace Eagle under US pressure.<ref>"Israel sends Turks EW systems despite rift." Template:Webarchive spacedaily.com</ref> On 21 February 2014, the first Peace Eagle, named Kuzey (meaning North), was formally accepted by the Turkish Air Force.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>"TSK yeni yıldızı Barış Kartalı'na kavuştu" Template:Webarchive. Hürriyet, 21 February 2014.</ref><ref name=PeaceEagleCeremony>"First Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft of the Peace Eagle Project, Kuzey (North) was taken into inventory" Template:Webarchive. Turkish Air Force</ref> The remaining three aircraft are named Güney (South), Doğu (East) and Batı (West).<ref name=PeaceEagleCeremony/> The fourth and final Peace Eagle was delivered in December 2015.<ref>"Boeing Delivers Last AEW&C Aircraft to Turkey". Defense News, 9 December 2015.</ref>
In IDEF 2023 was a 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 the scope of modernization, the aircraft will be equipped with IFF Mode 5 Responder, Karetta CRPA Antenna, Mission Computer Hardware developed by Aselsan.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
South KoreaEdit
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In November 2006, Boeing won a $1.6 billion contract with South Korea to deliver four aircraft by 2012.<ref name="Reuters">"South Korea picks Boeing for surveillance planes Template:Webarchive." Reuters. 8 November 2006.</ref> Boeing beat the other entrant, IAI Elta's Gulfstream G550-based aircraft, which was eliminated from the competition in August 2006.<ref name="reuters_rok_20060803">"S. Korea drops IAI, keeps Boeing in $2 bln plane deal." Reuters. 3 August 2006. Template:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore</ref> The first Peace Eye aircraft was delivered to Gimhae Air Base, Busan for acceptance testing in August 2011<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> with the remaining three aircraft delivered every six months until 2012.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The second aircraft was modified into an AEW&C configuration by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), then delivered to Gimhae Air Base in December 2011.<ref>"Boeing Delivers 2nd Peace Eye AEW&C Aircraft to Republic of Korea Air Force, Boeing Defense" Template:Webarchive . Boeing, 13 December 2011.</ref> After receiving AEW&C modifications by KAI, the third aircraft was delivered in May 2012 to Gimhae Air Base.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The fourth aircraft was delivered in October 2012.<ref name=Key_4th_Peace_Eye>Gary Parsons, Gary. "Boeing Delivers Final Peace Eye to Korea" Template:Webarchive. Key Publishing via key.aero, 31 October 2012.</ref>
In 2023, South Korea initiated a competitive program to acquire four additional AEW&C aircraft.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The Boeing E-7, Saab Global Eye, and a L3Harris Gulfstream-based variant are competing for the contract.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Final proposals were due in April 2024.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
United KingdomEdit
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.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The apparent decision to proceed with procurement without a competition received some criticism, with the Ministry of Defence accused of displaying favouritism towards Boeing,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> while Saab voiced its opposition to the "non-competitive" deal as it could offer the Erieye system mounted on Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In March 2019, the UK signed a $1.98 billion (~$Template:Format price in Template:Inflation/year) deal to purchase five E-7 Wedgetails.<ref name="RAF">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The aircraft will be designated the "Wedgetail AEW1".<ref name="Key 1 June 2020">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Two of the five aircraft are to be converted commercial airliners and the rest are to be new.<ref name="Second-hand"/> Each conversion takes about 24 months, with work on the first aircraft starting in 2021 and the last to be completed in 2026.<ref name="Second-hand">Template:Cite news</ref> In June 2020, the first Wedgetail delivery was expected in 2023.<ref name=":0">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
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."<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> The 2021 Integrated Defence Review confirmed the reduced order of three aircraft.<ref name=MOD_IR>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In late 2022, it was reported that initial operating capability for the aircraft had slipped to 2024.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Then in 2024 it was indicated that service entry was now anticipated in 2025.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In February 2023, Air Chief Marshal Michael Wigston stated that the order of three aircraft may gradually rise back to five airframes,<ref name="5wedgetails">Template:Cite news</ref> though this would likely be a subject for consideration in the new Labour government's 2025 defence review.
United StatesEdit
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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In March 2022, Wilsbach stated that the E-3 had insufficient detection range against aircraft like the Chinese Chengdu J-20.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> 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.<ref name="awst-profile-april-2021">Template:Cite magazine</ref> 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.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
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In 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..."<ref name=":1" /><ref name="breakingdefense.insinna.2022.04.26">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2023, an initial $1.2 billion contract was awarded 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.<ref name="boeing.pr.e-7a.2023.02.28">Template:Cite press release</ref><ref name="awst.e-7a.2023.02.28">Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref name="defensenews.losey.2023.03.01">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
NATOEdit
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.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Boeing stated that it had responded to the request, offering an E-7-based solution.<ref name="breakingdefense.martin.2023.02.24">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="awst.osborne.2023.02.21">Template:Cite magazine</ref> Saab and Northrop Grumman also responded to the RFI, offering, the GlobalEye and the Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, respectively.<ref name="awst.osborne.2023.02.21"/> In November 2023, NATO stated that the goal is 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.<ref name= NATO />
Potential customersEdit
Saudi ArabiaEdit
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.<ref name="AW&ST 2024 forecast">Template:Cite magazine</ref> In August 2022, the U.S. Air Force revealed that Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in the E-7.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
CanadaEdit
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.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Failed bidsEdit
ItalyEdit
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.<ref name="avweek_20040621">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2012, Italy acquired two Gulfstream G550 CAEW as part of a counter-deal to Israel's $1 billion (~$Template:Format price in Template:Inflation/year) order for 30 Alenia Aermacchi M-346 advanced jet trainers,<ref name="FG120720">Template:Cite news</ref> followed by an additional order of two more aircraft in 2022.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
United Arab EmiratesEdit
The Wedgetail was a competitor for the United Arab Emirates' AEW&C program in 2007.<ref name="awst.wall.2009.12.01">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="idex2007">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }} Template:Dead linkTemplate:Cbignore. 22 February 2007.</ref> In 2015, UAE selected the Saab GlobalEye over the Wedgetail and the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.<ref name="awst.batey.2015.11.10">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
QatarEdit
In 2014, Qatar stated it planned to purchase three 737 AEW&C aircraft.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2018, Qatar decided not to proceed with the planned purchase.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
OperatorsEdit
Current operatorsEdit
- Royal Australian Air Force – 6 in service, designated "E-7A Wedgetail"<ref name="E7A">"RAAF's Wedgetail Squadron marks history by celebrating battle honours" Template:Webarchive. Australian Department of Defence, 30 November 2012.</ref>
- Republic of Korea Air Force – four aircraft in use, designated "Peace Eye".<ref name=Key_4th_Peace_Eye/> Considering ordering two to three more.<ref>"공군, 피스아이 2~3대 추가도입 필요성 제기" Template:Webarchive. 9 July 2013.</ref>
- 51st Air Control Group
- 271th Airborne Air Control Squadron<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- {{#invoke
- flag||Turkey}}
- Turkish Air Force – 4 in service, designated "E-7T Peace Eagle"<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Airborne Warning Control Group Command.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- REDIRECT Template:GBR
- Royal Air Force – three aircraft on order, with potentially another two in the future.<ref name="5wedgetails"/><ref name=MOD_IR/> Designated "Wedgetail AEW1".
Future operatorsEdit
- United States Air Force – two aircraft on order of 26 planned.<ref name="boeing.pr.e-7a.2023.02.28" /><ref name="awst.e-7a.2023.02.28"/><ref name="defensenews.losey.2023.03.01"/>
- NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force – negotiations for six aircraft underway.<ref name=NATO>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
SpecificationsEdit
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See alsoEdit
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ReferencesEdit
External linksEdit
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