The E-7A Wedgetail provides Australia with one of the most advanced airspace battle management capabilities in the world. The Wedgetail’s ability to coordinate a joint air, sea and land battle in real time significantly increases the effectiveness of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Operated by No. 2 Squadron, Air Force’s 6 E-7A Wedgetail aircraft are based at RAAF Base Williamtown, near Newcastle.
Based on the Boeing 737-700 series aircraft, the Wedgetail has been modified for the modern battlespace. Simultaneous tracking of airborne and maritime targets is made possible through the addition of:
- an advanced Northrop Grumman Multi-Role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar
- 10 state-of-the-art mission crew consoles.
The Wedgetail combines long-range surveillance radar, secondary radar and tactical/strategic voice and data communications systems to provide an airborne early warning and control platform.
During a standard mission, the E-7A Wedgetail can cover more than four million square kilometres, an area the size of Western Australia or the Northern Territory. It is capable of unlimited long-range deployment with in-flight refuelling.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
|---|---|
| Role | Airborne early warning and control |
| Crew |
|
| Length | 33.6m |
| Height | 12.6m |
| Wingspan | 34.3m |
| Weight |
|
| Engines | Two CFM International CFM56-7 turbofans (27,300 lb thrust each) |
| Range | 7,040km |
| Ceiling | 41,000 feet |
| Speed |
|
| Equipment |
|