Royal Navy AWACS: British Boeing E-7A makes first flight (video)

The aircraft underwent an upgrade that included the installation of modern surveillance and radar equipment, enabling the aircraft to provide full range of AEW&C functions.

The Royal Air Force (RAF) has unveiled the first Boeing E-7A Wedgetail early warning and control aircraft, designated AEW1, Defensa reports. in Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C), has been shown in RAF livery for the first time and has already completed its first test flight after the modification.

The E-7A Wedgetail AEW1 is based on the commercial Boeing 737-700 platform that has been converted for military use. This aircraft, originally registered as N384BJ, was acquired from Boeing Capital Corporation and received the new military registration WT001.

Modifications include the installation of modern surveillance and radar equipment, enabling the aircraft to provide a full range of AEW&C capabilities, necessary for airspace monitoring and control.

Of particular note is the radar mounted on the Wedgetail, which enables the detection and tracking of air targets at long distances. As observers have noted, the combination of high-tech equipment and the proven platform of the Boeing 737 makes this aircraft one of the most effective means of airspace control.

Operation and significance for NATO

The WT001 aircraft is the first of three planned for service with the Royal Air Force of Great Britain. These machines will replace the 2021 Boeing E-3D Sentry AEW1, which previously provided early warning and control functions. Plans for the integration of the Wedgetail AEW1 into NATO forces also provide for increased interoperability between Alliance member states. Experts note that joint operation with the NATO fleet will allow for better cooperation during exercises and operations.

E-7A aircraft will be located at the RAF Lossiemouth air base in Scotland, where the P-8 Poseidon MRA1 fleet is also based. which will make it possible to unify crew training and maintenance, as well as reduce logistics costs.

Technical characteristics of the E-7A Wedgetail

• basic platform — Boeing 737-700;
• main purpose — AEW&C (airborne early warning and control)
• target detection range — over 400 km;
• maximum speed — 850 km/h;
• radar — multifunctional radar with active phased antenna array (AFAR).