Boeing gets $1.2bn to produce two E-7 AEW&C aircraft for US Air Force

The United States Air Force has decided to acquire E-7 AEW&C aircraft. The service has signed a contract with Boeing.

Here's What We Know

The E-7 is a radio detection and guidance aircraft based on the Boeing 737-700 under the Project Wedgetail programme. It was originally built for the Royal Australian Air Force. Over time, the Wedgetail aircraft appeared in Turkey, South Korea and the UK.

The E-7 AEW&C is equipped with a satellite communications station, an air-to-air and surface-to-air missile defense system and a MESA multifunction radar. It has an active phased antenna array and was developed by Northrop Grumman.

The aircraft is 33.6 metres long and has a wingspan of 35.8 metres. The maximum takeoff weight is 77.6 tonnes. The power plant consists of two CFM International CFM56-7B27A engines. The aircraft has a cruising speed of 850 km/h, a practical range of 4,900 km and a practical ceiling of 12.5 km.

The US Air Force has ordered two E-7 AEW&Cs, but plans to have a fleet of 26 aircraft. They will be a replacement for the E-3 Sentry. The service wants the first aircraft in fiscal 2027. The contract is worth $1.2bn.

Source: Defence Brief