Boeing Programs Proceed

The Royal Australian Air Force's Wedgetail program, in which Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is serving as prime contractor for the production of six 737-derived AEW&C aircraft, recently took a significant step forward when the first two platforms were delivered to the service. In addition to the aircraft themselves, the project, which has slipped three years behind schedule, also encompasses ground support segments for mission crew training, mission support and system maintenance. Derived from the company's 737-700 commercial airliner, the Wedgetail aircraft is intended to supply airborne battle management with and advanced electronically scanned radar and 10 mission crew consoles, which are configured to simultaneously track airborne and maritime targets.