Air International 2020-03
J.Lake - More Wedge(tail) for Boeing /Military/
An interesting comparison of the E-7A and the E-3 AWACS - in this case, an E-3G of the USAF's 552nd Air Control Wing, 960th Airborne Air Control Squadron. The E-7 is based on a standard Boeing 737NG airliner, modified to carry a Northrop Grumman active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar that can cover four million square kilometres over a ten-hour period.
Deployed to the 363rd Air Expeditionary Wing, an RAF E-3D Sentry prepares to take off for a mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom at a forward deployed location in Southwest Asia. Since the early 1990s, the E-3D fleet has been in action around the world almost continuously, alongside its US, French and NATO counterparts.
Exercise Taurus Mountain 3, in March 2012, tested aircraft and personnel from the RAF, British Army and Royal Navy who would be responsible for the Olympics Air Security Plan. RAF E-3D Sentry ZH106 was photographed over North Yorkshire.
Crew on board an RAF E-3D Sentry conduct a training mission over northern England. The distinctive rotating AN/APY-1/2 radar mounted above the E-3's rear fuselage was revolutionary when designed, but is now considered near obsolete.
An artist's concept of an RAF E-7A Wedgetail flying over Lincoln Cathedral from its base at nearby RAF Waddington. Modification of the aircraft will be carried out in the UK at Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group in Cambridge.
RAAF Boeing E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft have conducted regular rotational deployments to the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) since October 2014.
Among the visitors to the 2018 Royal International Air Tattoo was RAAF E-7A Wedgetail serial A30-001. Operated by No 2 Squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales, it received a revised roundel reflecting the 'RAF100' centenary theme and incorporating RAF insignia.
One of No 2 Squadron's E-7A Wedgetails takes off from RAAF Base Darwin during Exercise Diamond Storm last year.