Boeing E-7 Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft
For more information about the Boeing E-7 AEW&C platform check out this E-7 capabilities video
The Boeing E-7 Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) is a combat-proven weapon system that provides powerful multi-domain surveillance, communications, and networked battle management capabilities, as well as interoperability that multiplies the effectiveness of joint and coalition forces. The Boeing E-7 AEW&C, has proven itself around the world, it can see farther, communicate more effectively, and make faster and more informed decisions to achieve mission objectives.
Improved Advanced Early Warning Aircraft Capabilities
Click on the hotspots to explore the advanced capabilities of the E-7 AEW&C
Air-to-air refueling capability allows for extended on-station time, range, and mission support.
The 360-degree sensor coverage provided by the Northrop Grumman Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar is fully compliant with international standards.
The multiservice, interoperable, FAA-certified communications system is capable of supporting multiple security classifications of voice and data transfer.
A single interface between multiple subsystems and the operator provides mission processing and display for the airborne mission segment.
Detection and geolocation of emitters within the required frequency range allow surveillance, target identification, and threat warning.
Tactical Battle Management Based on a Boeing Next-Generation 737
E-7 is a Joint Force Multiplier
Interoperability multiplies the effectiveness of existing forces
A critical enabler to surveillance and air dominance, the E-7 AEW&C offers the most advanced, state-of-the-art airborne moving target indicator capability (AMTI) available today.
Based on a Boeing Next-Generation 737, the E-7 AEW&C’s radar provides a full 360-degree surveillance capability with sector emphasis and other techniques to dynamically adjust to emerging tactical situations. Sector emphasis extends detection range without the need to fly closer to threat situations.
Fully interoperable, the E-7 AEW&C brings battle management to the tactical edge of the battle space. The mission processing capability provides real-time analytics for targeting and processes critical data throughout all phases of threat engagement with little or no latency. Programmable chaff and flares operate as a defensive countermeasure against threats, increasing the aircraft’s survivability.
Operating around the globe the Boeing AEW&C is available, reliable and sustainable
Operating successfully around the globe for more than a decade, the E-7 AEW&C is a mature and combat-proven platform, in production and available when called upon. On average, current AEW&C operators experience higher operational availability rates that allow it to spend more time in the skies. Compared to the E-3 AWACS, overall operating costs are estimated to be 66% less, and because the E-7 AEW&C has more operational capability, less jets and manpower are needed to deliver the increased capability.
Open mission systems – designed for future growth
The future battlespace will be more complex, dynamic and unconventional. To be able to defeat advanced threats and accomplish missions, the E-7 AEW&C’s Open Mission Systems (OMS) architecture capability is key. In 2020 ground and flight tests, Boeing married the OMS-compliant battle management command and control (BMC2) system to Northrop Grumman’s advanced, wide-band active electronically scanned array (AESA). Customers will have more flexibility to add or upgrade capabilities, select third-party vendors and determine implementation schedules.
E-7 Airborne Early Warning and Control Feature Stories
Boeing Demonstrates Multi-Domain Data Fusion and Automated Software Deployment in JADC2 Lab
January 20, 2022 in Defene
Boeing recently conducted a virtual demo from its Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) Lab that successfully combined data from different sources for multiple platforms across domains to create a common operating picture.
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AEW&C Open Mission Systems validated in operational environment
November 9, 2020 in Defense, Technology
The Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) platform took another step forward in the drive toward validating an open mission systems (OMS) approach on this midsize jet-powered aircraft.
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The Future is Now: AEW&C demos Open Mission Systems
October 5, 2020 in Defense, Technology
The future battlespace is upon us. It’s more complex. More dynamic. More unconventional. To be able to defeat advanced threats and accomplish missions, military aircraft must have the ability to not only evolve, but evolve quicker than ever.
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Boeing Delivers Final Peace Eagle AEW&C Aircraft to Turkey
December 9, 2015 in Defense, Technology
Turkish fleet reaches full strength with four aircraft and ground support systems
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Boeing Defence Australia Takes on Prime Role for Wedgetail Sustainment
July 30, 2013 in Defense, Technology
Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) has taken over prime responsibility for supporting the Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) fleet from Boeing in the U.S
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Boeing Delivers Final Peace Eye AEW&C Aircraft to Republic of Korea Air Force
October 31, 2012 in Defense, Technology
Airborne surveillance and battle management capability delivered 5 weeks ahead of schedule in partnership with local industry
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E-7 AEW&C Technical Specifications
| Airframe | 737-700 increased gross weight (IGW) airframe |
| Radar | Northrop Grumman “MESA” electronically scanned array radar system with 360 degrees/Air and Maritime modes/200 + nmi range/All Weather |
| IFF | 300 nmi |
| System Architecture | Open |
| Consoles | Open |
| Operational ceiling | 41,000 ft |
| Range | 3,500 nmi |
| Flight Crew | 2 |
| Mission Crew | 6 to 10 |
Boeing E-7 AEW&C Customers
The global E-7 fleet includes 14 operational aircraft that have a maximum unfueled flight time of about 9 hours and a range of 3,000 nautical miles.
The Republic of Korea Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Turkish Air Force, and soon the Royal Air Force, utilize the E-7 and its proven next generation airborne surveillance, communication and battle management capabilities.
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Australia
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South Korea
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Turkey
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United Kingdom
Boeing E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) Historical Snapshot
Throughout its history, the E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) fleet has undergone extensive enhancements, including upgrades to radar, computing, satellite communications and air traffic management.
The first E-3 entered U.S Air Force service in 1977, preceded by more than 10 years of competitive fly-offs, prototype design and development. Thirty-four U.S. AWACS aircraft were delivered to the Air Force, the last in 1984.