Boeing Australia Wedgetail project

[cowpatz]

This much troubled project is now ready for the flight testing phase. Here are the first 2 aircraft painted up and ready to head for the US for flight testing/evaluation. Ugly suckers.

[HardCorePawn]

What is it? An AWACS?

[Naki]

QUOTE (HardCorePawn @ Feb 19 2008, 02:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What is it? An AWACS?

Yes

Did you take thoose pics Cowpatz?

[twinstarda42]

QUOTE (HardCorePawn @ Feb 19 2008, 02:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What is it? An AWACS?

it a AEW&C (Airbourne Early warning and control difference between an AWAC(airbourne warning and control) is that it can track/co ordinate ground/sea assets or targets also etc) aircraft the ugly fin on top is a Northrop Grumman MESA array( advanced Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array ) it is already 2-3 years behind in its flight test program was due to enter RAAF service last year or the year before that.

Their is also simliar looking aircraft call the Peace Eagle(different sensors per customer requirement onboard but has the MESA array) that has entered service with the turkish air force.

[pois0n]

Thats urrrrrgly, but cool

[ardypilot]

QUOTE

Thats urrrrrgly[/quote]
I'd call it an 'interesting' design

Where are these monsters made then? Does Boeing have a special plant in Australia or have they recently been flown in from Seattle?

[twinstarda42]

QUOTE (Trolly @ Feb 23 2008, 04:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'd call it an 'interesting' design

Where are these monsters made then? Does Boeing have a special plant in Australia or have they recently been flown in from Seattle?

Boeing Successfully Completes Flight of First AEW&C Wedgetail Aircraft Modified in Australia Click image to view Photo Release.These images are available for editorial use by news media on: boeingmedia.com ST. LOUIS, Jan. 23, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has conducted a successful functional check flight of the first 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft modified in Australia for Project Wedgetail.

During the two-and-one-half hour flight Jan.23 from Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, Australia, pilot Regis Hancock and first officer Randon Stewart performed a series of functional tests that verified the airworthiness of the aircraft's systems and structures.

The flight followed major aircraft modifications performed by Boeing Australia Limited at Amberley, including the installation and checkout of an advanced Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) antenna, ventral fins and mission system equipment.

"Aircraft No. 3 will undergo an additional mission functional check flight prior to returning Jan. 31 to Seattle, where it will begin a five-month development and type acceptance flight test program," said Scott March, Boeing Wedgetail program manager.

The plane then will return to Australia to complete configuration updates and production acceptance testing prior to delivery. Boeing will deliver the first two Wedgetail aircraft in March 2009 and the remaining four aircraft by the end of 2009.

"The flight is a tribute to the tremendous modification effort performed by Boeing Australia Limited employees. Project Wedgetail is the largest and most complex aircraft modification program ever undertaken in Australia," said David Withers, president of Boeing Australia Limited. "This project demonstrates Boeing Australia Limited as a regional leader in aircraft modifications and will increase the company's in-country technical capability for future large-scale projects."

The Wedgetail program includes six 737 AEW&C aircraft plus ground support segments for mission crew training, mission support and system maintenance. Modification of four aircraft in Amberley is under way, with the first two completing modification in Seattle prior to entering the flight test program.

The 737-700 features 21st century avionics, navigation equipment and flight deck features. Because of its advanced technology, the aircraft requires minimal downtime for maintenance. The 737 series has a worldwide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment.

In addition to Northrop Grumman's MESA antenna with integrated identification friend-or-foe capabilities, the aircraft features a flexible, open architecture for cost-effective future upgrades, an extensive communications suite and aerial refueling capability.


http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/ic/aew...080123b_nr.html

http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/ic/aewc/index.html

[pois0n]

Wonder how it performs in a crosswind landing