RAF’s E-7 Wedgetail AEW Mk1 aircraft completes first test flight

The E-7 Wedgetail, which is currently unpainted, represents a major advancement in airborne surveillance technology. It is designed to provide the UK Defence with enhanced situational awareness, significantly exceeding the capabilities of ground-based systems and fighter aircraft sensors. The aircraft has already seen successful service with the Royal Australian, Republic of South Korea, and Turkish Air Forces. The United States Air Force and NATO have also recently selected the E-7 Wedgetail as their next command and control platform.

One of the key features of the E-7 Wedgetail is its ability to provide a 360-degree view of the surrounding airspace, giving commanders early warning of potential threats. This capability is crucial for managing operations in complex environments. The aircraft acts as a force multiplier, allowing military forces to operate more effectively by coordinating offensive and defensive actions.

Group Captain Richard Osselton, RAF Programme Director for the Wedgetail, praised the achievement: “Achieving the first flight of Wedgetail is a significant milestone, representing an outstanding effort from the RAF programme team, Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), Boeing, and STS Aviation Services. We will now build on this success and look forward to continuing the Test & Evaluation phase as part of our preparations for the aircraft to enter service with the RAF.”

The E-7 Wedgetail is equipped with advanced technology, including a Multirole Electronically Scanned Array radar housed in a distinctive fin on the aircraft’s spine. This radar, along with an advanced communications suite, enables the aircraft to deliver accurate target information and provide tactical control to other forces via voice and data links. The system enhances the situational awareness of commanders, enabling them to direct joint operations effectively.

Stu Voboril, Boeing Vice President and E-7 Program Manager, highlighted the importance of the recent test flight: “This safe and systematic Functional Check Flight is an important step for Boeing and the RAF as part of our rigorous and extensive testing and evaluation. Our team is committed to ensuring the E-7 delivers the safety, quality, and capabilities we’ve promised to our customer as we prepare for delivery of the UK’s first E-7 Wedgetail.”

In addition to its airborne surveillance capabilities, the E-7 Wedgetail will significantly improve the effectiveness of friendly combat aircraft and naval vessels by providing them with real-time situational awareness. The mission crew onboard the Wedgetail will operate state-of-the-art workstations to coordinate operations across multiple domains, including directing offensive and defensive forces while maintaining continuous surveillance.

Richard Murray, Director of Air Support at DE&S, expressed optimism about the progress of the programme: “This first flight marks a significant milestone for the programme and for our team who have worked tirelessly with our partners to progress what is a hugely complex endeavour. We are moving forward and will be delivering this critical capability to the RAF.”

Later this autumn, the aircraft is set to receive its RAF livery before being stationed at RAF Lossiemouth. The Wedgetail will serve under No 8 Squadron, alongside the Poseidon Maritime Patrol aircraft. Both aircraft are based on the Boeing 737 Next Generation airframe, offering operational synergies between the two fleets.