Boeing has completed the first test flight of the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft destined for the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF).
The E-7 Wedgetail is an early warning and control aircraft (AEW&C) based on the Boeing 737 NG aircraft, which is used by many airlines around the world. It is capable of detecting and identifying multiple threats and targets at long distances and coordinate the actions of fighter jets and other military assets during combat situations.
The flight test took place at Birmingham airport (BHX), since it is where the three aircraft ordered by the RAF are being fitted with all the necessary systems.
Once they are delivered, these three E-7s are going to be based at RAF Lossiemouth, in Scotland, where new facilities are being built to host them.
The RAF will, thus, soon join the Royal Australian Air Force, the Republic of Korea Air Force and the Turkish Air Force as an E-7 operator. The US Air Force has also ordered two E-7 prototypes, with possible additional orders for up to 26 of the type to follow up in 2025. NATO has also selected the E-7 as a replacement for its pooled E-3 AWACS fleet.
The first E-7 for the UK is expected to get its RAF livery as early as Q4 2024.
