Project Wedgetail

Boeing is offering its Next-Generation 737-700 increased gross weight (IGW) aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force for Project Wedgetail, an airborne early warning & control (AEW&C) system.

The AEW&C system combines the new high-performance Boeing 737-700 IGW aircraft with the 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 surveillance system; a flexible, open-system architecture and a highly effective self-defense capability. The 737-700 features state-of-the-art avionics, navigation equipment and flight deck. It has a maximum speed of .78 Mach and an operational ceiling of 41,000 feet.

Using the latest sensor technology, Northrop Grumman’s 360-degree 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 1500 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 complete interoperability with the E-3 and 767 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, is designed to fill the airborne-surveillance needs of Australia.

Joining Boeing and Northrop Grumman’s Electronic Sensors and Systems Sector (ESSS) on the Wedgetail team are Boeing Australia Limited and BAE SYSTEMS Australia.

Boeing and Northrop Grumman’s ESSS have been leaders in airborne early warning technology for more than 30 years. Boeing Australia and British Aerospace Australia are Australia’s most experienced aerospace contractors in the AEW&C field. Boeing Australia will provide system engineering, lead the product support team and AEW&C support center teams, and acquire the operational flight trainer segment. BAE SYSTEMS Australia will provide the electronic support measures, a passive surveillance system, an electronic warfare self-protect subsystem, operational mission simulator support segment and AEW&C support facility equipment. Australia’s Qantas Airways will provide maintenance support for the aircraft.

The 737 is the most popular and reliable jet aircraft in the world. Airlines and operators have ordered more than 4,800, with more than 3,800 delivered. Because so many are in service, there is a world-wide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment. With its speed, extended range and ability to fly to altitudes of more than 35,000 feet, the Next-Generation 737-700 offers an ideal airborne early warning and control platform.

The Boeing team was awarded an Initial Design Activity contract by the Australian Defence Force in December 1997. As part of that contract, the team worked on a design solution to meet the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) requirements for an AEW&C system. In July 1999, the Boeing team was selected as the preferred tenderer for Project Wedgetail. A development and acquisition contract was signed in December 2000. It provides for four 737 AEW&C systems with options for up to three additional systems. The contract also provides for ground-based support segments for flight and mission crew training, a mission support segment and other system support facilities and spare parts. The first two aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Commonwealth of Australia in 2006.

Contact: Communications
(253) 657-3046