| RAAF E-737 Wedgetail |
|
|---|---|
| About the E-737 Wedgetail | |
| Manufactuer: | Boeing |
|---|---|
| Airframe: | Next-Generation 737-700 |
| Power plant: | Two CFM International CFM56-7B24 turbofans |
| Thrust: | 27,000 pounds static thrust each engine |
| Length: | 110 feet, 4 inches (33.6 meters) |
| Wingspan: | 117 feet, 5 inches (35.8 meters) |
| Height: | 41 feet, 2 inches (12.5 meters) |
| Radar: | Northrop Grumman MESA electronically scanned array radar system,
360 degrees/Air and Maritime modes, 200+ nm range/All Weather, IFF 300 nm |
| Nicknames: | "Wedgetail" |
| Primary function: |
The RAAF Wedgetail aircraft will complement Jindalee Operational Radar Network and ground-based sensors, providing highly accurate data and flexible employment options to the modern air surveillance and combat environment. This will provide an excellent capability to support a layered air defence system, which is necessary to defend Australia. However, Wedgetail is not just a capability for the defence of Australia. The aircraft will be able to support deployed Australian Defence Force and allied assets at significant ranges, which will provide the Australian Government with a capability that can be used effectively to support coalition operations through the world if necessary.
The AEW&C platform will also be able to undertake numerous other missions such as search and rescue; defence force assistance to the civil community (coastwatch support and disaster relief) and Defence Force aid to the civil power. |
| Operational: | First Flight: May 20, 2004 Operational: May 2015 |
| Operators: | Australia: The Australian Defence Force selected the 737 AEW&C system in July 1999. A contract for Project Wedgetail was signed in December 2000 for four 737.700 aircraft, and six AEW&C systems plus options for three additional systems. In 2004, Australia exercised options to purchase two additional 737-700 aircraft. The first two aircraft are being modified and flight tested in Seattle, Wash. The third aircraft is being modified into the AEW&C configuration at a Boeing facility in Australia. The other three aircraft also will be modified in Australia. Delivery of the six AEW&C aircraft is scheduled for 2008.
Turkey: In November 2000, the Republic of Turkey selected a Boeing-led team to begin contract negotiations on developing a new AEW&C system. A contract was signed in June 2002 and officially started in July 2003. The program, known as Peace Eagle, includes four 737 AEW&C aircraft plus ground support segments for mission crew training, mission support and system maintenance support. Modification of the first aircraft is underway in Seattle. The other three will be modified in Ankara, Turkey beginning in the spring of 2006. Delivery of the four 737 AEW&C aircraft is scheduled for 2007 through 2008. South Korea: On November 7, 2006, Boeing won a contract with South Korea to deliver four aircraft by 2012. Boeing beat out the other entrant, IAI Elta's Gulfstream G550-based aircraft, which was eliminated from the competition on August 3, 2006. |
| Radome: | The distinctive 'Top Hat' radome provides a low aerodynamic drag profile while meeting the requirement for fore and aft coverage. Two large strakes are fitted on the underside at the rear section of the fuselage. The strakes provide an aerodynamic balance to offset the effect of the MESA radome on the upper surface of the fuselage. The top hat MESA antenna is 35.5 ft. long, 11 ft. high and weighs more than three tons. |
| Weight Empty: | 40,484 lb. (18,364 kg) |
| Internal fuel: | 12,400 lb. (5,624 kg) |
| T.O. gross weight: | 54,426 lbs (24,689 kg). |
| Maximum cruise speed: | 325 knots (602 km. per hour). |
| Aircraft Ceiling: | 41,000 ft (12,500 m) |
| Operating Altitude: | 30,000ft to 40,000ft |
| Endurance: | (unknown) |
| Range: | 3,800 nm (unrefueled) and 9 hours on station time |
| Communications: |
HF Communications: 3 VHF/UHF: 8 Tactical Links: Link 4A, Link 11 |
| Armament: | None |
| Crew size: | Flight:2 Mission:8-10 |
| Additional Information: | Images |
