On 17th October 2024 the first E7A AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) Wedgetail aircraft rolled out with its RAF Livery.
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Media Release, Whitehall, 18 October 2024: On the 17th of October 2024 the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) first E7 AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) aircraft rolled out from Satys Aircraft Livery at Southend Airport with its RAF Livery. This marks the first time that an E7 will be painted in its RAF scheme.
The aircraft took off from Southend Airport and went on to land at Birmingham Airport. The Wedgetail is the most technologically advanced AEW&C system available and will provide UK Defence with eyes in the sky, to see far beyond ground-based systems and fighter aircraft sensors. Already in service and proven with the Royal Australian, Republic of South Korean and Turkish Air Forces, the platform has recently been selected by the United States Air Force and NATO as their next command and control aircraft.
Capable of fulfilling a wide range of missions, Wedgetail will provide high fidelity and accurate target information utilising its cutting-edge Multirole Electronically Scanned Array housed in a distinctive fin on the spine of the aircraft. The sensor, combined with an advanced communications suite, enables the crew to provide tactical control to other assets via voice and tactical data link whilst enhancing the situational awareness of Joint Force commanders.
The UK’s Wedgetail will serve under No 8 Squadron and will be located at RAF Lossiemouth alongside the Poseidon Maritime Patrol aircraft, both of which are based upon the widely used Boeing 737 Next Generation airframe, allowing the RAF to take advantage of synergies between the fleets.
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