DTN News - AUSTRALIAN DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers Final Wedgetail AEW&C Aircraft To Australia

DTN News - AUSTRALIAN DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers Final Wedgetail AEW&C Aircraft To Australia
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 5, 2012: The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] on May 2 delivered the sixth and final Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

"I would like to congratulate Boeing in achieving another key milestone in the delivery of the Wedgetail capability. 2 Squadron now has a full complement of aircraft and additional capability that will enable Initial Operational Capability to be declared later this year," said Air Vice-Marshal Chris Deeble, program manager, Collins and Wedgetail, Defence Materiel Organisation.

"Delivering the last aircraft into the Wedgetail fleet is the result of hard work, dedication and collaboration by the Boeing-led team and our Australian customer in bringing this powerful air battle management system -- the first of its type -- to the RAAF," said Rick Heerdt, AEW&C vice president for Boeing.

Boeing also has delivered all ground segments to support the fleet, which is based at RAAF Base Williamtown in Newcastle, Australia.

"Through the Australia-based Wedgetail One Team, Boeing is working together with the RAAF AEW&C System Program Office and No. 42 Wing to provide the best value-for-money engineering, maintenance, training and supply support and the highest levels of aircraft availability to meet the RAAF's operational needs," said Heerdt.

Based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 commercial airplane, the 737 AEW&C aircraft is designed to provide airborne battle management capability with an advanced multirole electronically scanned radar and 10 state-of-the-art mission crew consoles that are able to track airborne and maritime targets simultaneously. The mission crew can direct offensive and defensive forces while maintaining continuous surveillance of the operational area.

Boeing also has delivered three Peace Eye AEW&C aircraft to the Republic of Korea, with one more scheduled for delivery later this year. Turkey's first Peace Eagle AEW&C is on plan for delivery by the end of the year.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 61,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

Contact:

Dave Sloan
Boeing Defense, Space & Security
+1 253-657-8008
david.a.sloan@boeing.com

James Baker
Boeing Defence Australia
+61 7-3306-3411
james.m.baker9@boeing.com

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
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DTN News: Boeing Completes 1st Wedgetail AEW&C Mission Crew Training Course For Royal Australian Air Force

DTN News: Boeing Completes 1st Wedgetail AEW&C Mission Crew Training Course For Royal Australian Air Force

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing

(NSI News Source Info) WILLIAMTOWN, New South Wales, - November 12, 2010: Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Number 2 Squadron personnel from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) have delivered the first Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) mission crew training course at RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales.

During the seven-month course, which began in March, eight instructors and three role players from Boeing Defence Australia provided eight RAAF students with more than 1,200 hours of programmed training on the airborne battle management aircraft's mission systems.

"Boeing Defence Australia is responsible for training the students in non-tactical areas across all aircraft mission systems, including data links, communications systems and the Multirole Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar, to ensure they graduate with the necessary skills," said Todd Barker, Wedgetail AEW&C mission crew lead instructor and course director for Boeing Defence Australia.

Based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 commercial aircraft, the Wedgetail AEW&C platform is able to track airborne and maritime targets simultaneously through the advanced MESA radar and 10 mission crew consoles.

"As a key training service provider and integrator for the Australian Defence Force, Boeing Defence Australia continues to increase its in-country and international training footprint, as shown by the successful completion of Australia’s first AEW&C mission crew training course," said John Duddy, Boeing Defence Australia vice president and managing director. "Congratulations to the RAAF and Boeing Defence Australia's training team for this excellent outcome."

Subcontracted to The Boeing Company under the Wedgetail In-Service Support contract, Boeing Defence Australia is responsible for program management, supply chain management and engineering, maintenance and training services to support the six-aircraft fleet's introduction into RAAF service. To date, three aircraft have been formally accepted in an initial operating configuration by the Commonwealth. The fourth and fifth aircraft are scheduled to be delivered later this year and the remaining aircraft will be delivered in 2011.

Boeing Defence Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company and a business unit of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, is a leading Australian aerospace enterprise. With a world-class team of more than 1,500 employees at 14 locations throughout Australia and two international sites, Boeing Defence Australia supports some of the largest and most complex defense projects in Australia.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

Contact:

Sarah Wills Boeing Defence Australia +61 7-3306-3132 sarah.e.wills@boeing.com

*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com

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DTN News: Boeing Wedgetail Aircraft Accepted Into Royal Australian Air Force Fleet

DTN News: Boeing Wedgetail Aircraft Accepted Into Royal Australian Air Force Fleet Source: DTN News / Boeing (NSI News Source Info) RAAF BASE WILLIAMTOWN, New South Wales,- May 7, 2010: The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] May 5., announced that the Commonwealth of Australia has accepted the first two Project Wedgetail 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft into the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) fleet. The aircraft were accepted during a ceremony today at RAAF Base Williamtown, the main operating base for the Wedgetail fleet. "This major milestone demonstrates that the 737 AEW&C system is ready for operational training and use. It also represents the culmination of years of design, development, modification and testing by the Boeing-led team to bring this complex system -- the first of its type -- to our first AEW&C customer," said Maureen Dougherty, Boeing vice president, AEW&C Program. Acceptance of the two Wedgetail aircraft means ground and flight operations and maintenance of the aircraft are now fully under RAAF control. Boeing delivered the two aircraft last year and has been supporting RAAF familiarization training on the AEW&C system, which includes the aircraft as well as the Operational Flight Trainer, Operational Mission Simulator and Mission Support System. Boeing will deliver three more Wedgetail aircraft to the RAAF by the end of this year, including one upgraded in the final AEW&C configuration with Electronic Support Measures. All aircraft in the Wedgetail fleet will be upgraded to the final configuration in early 2011. Project Wedgetail includes six 737 AEW&C aircraft, plus ground support segments for mission crew training, mission support and system maintenance. Based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 commercial airplane, the 737 AEW&C aircraft is designed to provide airborne battle-management capability with an advanced multirole electronically scanned radar and 10 state-of-the-art mission crew consoles that are able to track airborne and maritime targets simultaneously. The mission crew can direct offensive and defensive forces while maintaining continuous surveillance of the operational area. Boeing also has AEW&C systems in production for Turkey and the Republic of Korea. A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide. The initial contract was for four AEW&C systems with options for up to three additional systems. The contract also provides a mission support segment and the associated ground based support segments for flight and mission crew training. In May 2004, Australia exercised options to purchase an additional two aircraft. Boeing Australia is responsible for providing systems engineering and leading the product support teams. BAE Systems Australia is to supply the electronic support measures and the electronic warfare self-protection systems. Quantas Airways has been awarded the contract for maintenance of the aircraft. The first two aircraft will be completed by Boeing in the USA; the remainder will be modified in Australia. The first airframe for modification was rolled out in December 2002, ready for modification and installation of the radar and systems. First flight of the aircraft with the radar and mission systems took place at the Boeing Field in Seattle in May 2004. Performance and flight handling tests were completed in July 2005. The first aircraft for modification in Australia arrived in January 2006. Delivery of the first two aircraft, capable of peacekeeping and training roles to the Australian Air Force is planned for July 2009. These aircraft will then be upgraded to full mission capable status by January 2010. The remaining four aircraft will be delivered, fully mission capable, in early 2010. It is expected that the first aircraft will enter service with the Royal Australian Air Force's new Number 2 Squadron, with headquarters at Williamstown Air Base, by the end of 2010. In May 2002, the Turkish government signed a contract with Boeing for four 737 AEW&C systems with options on a further two. The sale received US Government approval in September 2003. Boeing is modifying the first and Tusas Aerospace Industries (TAI) of Ankara the other three. The first aircraft for local modification arrived in March 2006. Deliveries of the system, to be known as Peace Eagle, are expected by 2010. The first flight of the Peace Eagle was in September 2007. The first aircraft modified by TAI flew in July 2008. In August 2006, the 737 AEW&C was selected as 'sole candidate' for South Korea's E-X requirement for four surveillance aircraft to be delivered by 2012. The contract was awarded to Boeing in November 2006.

DTN News: Boeing NC3S Project Vigilare Completes 1st Data Transmission With Wedgetail

DTN News: Boeing NC3S Project Vigilare Completes 1st Data Transmission With Wedgetail *Source: DTN News / Boeing (NSI News Source Info) SINGAPORE - February 3, 2010: Boeing Defence Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], today announced that Project Vigilare, a Network Centric Command and Control System (NC3S) solution for Australia, recently completed its first data transmission with a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft using Link 16. "This achievement demonstrates the significant interoperability NC3S provides between key assets using tactical data links," Rod Drury, Boeing Defence Australia vice president of Strategy and Business Development, said today at the Singapore Airshow, where Boeing is presenting an NC3S display until Feb. 7. The Link 16 data transmission took place on Dec. 14 between the Vigilare system installed at the RAAF's Northern Regional Operations Centre in Northern Territory, Australia, and an airborne Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft performing training missions over Australia's east coast. Link 16 capability will enable the RAAF to transfer and receive critical tactical data from Australian Defence Force platforms including Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft, F/A-18 Hornets, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, and naval assets, as well as future platforms such as Aegis-equipped Air Warfare Destroyers and P-8 maritime reconnaissance aircraft. "As Vigilare is an extremely complex system-of-systems project requiring the merging of data from a large number of dynamic and disparate sources, the successful demonstration via Link 16 was a good indication of the progress that is being made and a further risk reduction activity ahead of the operational test event that will occur this year," said Air Commodore Steve Sheedy, Director of the General Surveillance and Control branch of the Australian government's Defence Materiel Organisation. "Vigilare represents a fundamental shift in Command and Control systems, and Australia is leading the way in its development," said Steve Parker, Boeing Defence Australia vice president and general manager for Network & Space Systems - Australia. "Today, NC3S is one of the most capable surveillance and battlespace-management systems available that has application with air forces and higher defense headquarters around the world. We are pleased with the level of interest being shown internationally, and we are currently working with several international customers to define their future NC3S requirements." Developed by Boeing Defence Australia, NC3S integrates advanced technologies that combine data from land, sea, air and space platforms, sensors and data links to provide tactical and strategic surveillance and battlespace-management operations across wide geographic regions. Boeing Defence Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company and a business unit of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, is a leading Australian aerospace enterprise. With a world-class team of nearly 2,000 employees at 13 locations throughout Australia and two international sites, Boeing Defence Australia supports some of the largest and most complex defense projects in Australia. A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

DTN News: Boeing Awarded Long-Term Support Contract for Australia's Wedgetail 737 AEW&C Program

DTN News: Boeing Awarded Long-Term Support Contract for Australia's Wedgetail 737 AEW&C Program *Source: DTN News / Boeing (NSI News Source Info) SEATTLE, - January 19, 2010: The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced that it has been awarded a five-year In-Service Support contract for Project Wedgetail, Australia's 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) program. The contract from Australia's Defence Materiel Organisation is worth approximately US$600 million.The Commonwealth of Australia placed a contract on Boeing in December 2000 for the development and supply of the 737 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) programme, Project Wedgetail. Boeing is the prime contractor for the program and team partners include Northrop Grumman's Electronics Sensors and Systems, Boeing Australia Limited and BAE Systems Australia.Boeing Australia is responsible for providing systems engineering and leading the product support teams. BAE Systems Australia is to supply the electronic support measures and the electronic warfare self-protection systems. Quantas Airways has been awarded the contract for maintenance of the aircraft. The first two aircraft will be completed by Boeing in the USA; the remainder will be modified in Australia. Under the performance-based logistics (PBL) contract, Boeing will provide acquisition, program management, integration and engineering services. Boeing Defence Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, will support the program with engineering, maintenance and training services and supply chain management for the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) fleet of six Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft and ground segments. Northrop Grumman, as a subcontractor on the Boeing-led program, will support the aircraft's Multirole Electronically Scanned Array radar. The contract is expected to create more than 100 jobs in Newcastle, Australia, while providing continued and new employment for more than 100 personnel in Queensland, Australia. This PBL agreement offers the RAAF maximum aircraft readiness at the lowest possible cost. Boeing is the industry leader in PBL contract execution. "Establishing a robust support program for the Wedgetail aircraft will help ensure the long-term success of the AEW&C system," said Maureen Dougherty, AEW&C vice president for Boeing. "We are offering an enterprisewide solution by tapping into the support infrastructure expertise of Boeing Commercial Airplanes and pairing that with Boeing Defense, Space & Security's extensive work with large sustainment defense contracts, technical know-how and experience with airborne surveillance and battle management systems." Project Wedgetail consists of six 737 AEW&C aircraft and associated ground support segments, such as the Operational Flight Trainer, Operational Mission Simulator and Mission Support System. All of these program elements are located in the AEW&C Support Centre at RAAF Base Williamtown in Newcastle. Boeing delivered the first two Wedgetail aircraft to the RAAF on Nov. 26, which allowed its flight, mission and maintenance crews to begin familiarization training. Based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 commercial airplane, the 737 AEW&C aircraft is designed to provide airborne battle-management capability with an advanced multirole electronically scanned radar and 10 state-of-the-art mission crew consoles that are able to track airborne and maritime targets simultaneously. The mission crew can direct offensive and defensive forces while maintaining continuous surveillance of the operational area. Boeing also has AEW&C systems in production for Turkey and the Republic of Korea. A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

DTN News: Boeing Delivers 2 Wedgetail AEW&C Aircraft To Royal Australian Air Force

DTN News: Boeing Delivers 2 Wedgetail AEW&C Aircraft To Royal Australian Air Force *Source: DTN News / Boeing (NSI News Source Info) RAAF BASE WILLIAMTOWN, New South Wales - November 29, 2009: The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] Nov 26., delivered the first two Project Wedgetail 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). RAAF BASE WILLIAMTOWN, New South Wales, Nov. 26, 2009 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today delivered two 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force. The aircraft, along with the Boeing-provided Operational Flight Trainer, Operational Mission Simulator and a Mission Planning System, will be used for familiarization training for flight, mission and maintenance crews. The aircraft were delivered during a ceremony at RAAF Base Williamtown, the main operating base for the Wedgetail fleet. Attending the ceremony were officials from the RAAF, the Defence Materiel Organisation and Boeing. Delivery of the two aircraft and utilization of the Boeing-provided Operational Flight Trainer, Operational Mission Simulator and Mission Support System allow the RAAF to begin familiarization training for flight, mission and maintenance crews. The trainer and the simulator are located at the Williamtown base's AEW&C Support Centre. Three additional Wedgetail aircraft will be delivered to the RAAF by the end of 2010, including one upgraded in the final AEW&C configuration with Electronic Support Measures (ESM). All aircraft in the Wedgetail fleet will be upgraded in the final configuration in early 2011. "Project Wedgetail represents a fundamental shift in airborne surveillance technology. Australia is leading the way with the most capable electronically scanned air surveillance radar and battle management system in the world," said Maureen Dougherty, Boeing vice president of the Airborne Early Warning and Control Program. "The worldwide surveillance marketplace has taken notice of Wedgetail's progress, and we're working with several customers to define their future requirements." Project Wedgetail includes six 737 AEW&C aircraft plus ground support segments for mission crew training, mission support and system maintenance. Based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 commercial airplane, the 737 AEW&C aircraft is designed to provide airborne battle-management capability with an advanced multirole electronically scanned radar and 10 state-of-the-art mission crew consoles that are able to track airborne and maritime targets simultaneously. The mission crew can direct offensive and defensive forces while maintaining continuous surveillance of the operational area. Boeing also has AEW&C systems in production for Turkey and the Republic of Korea. A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

DTN News: Boeing Completes Key Tests Of Self-Protection System Aboard Australian Wedgetail AEW&C Aircraft

DTN News: Boeing Completes Key Tests Of Self-Protection System Aboard Australian Wedgetail AEW&C Aircraft *Source: DTN News / Boeing (NSI News Source Info) SEATTLE,- November 10, 2009: The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] announced today that it has successfully completed tests of the Counter Measures Dispenser System (CMDS) for Project Wedgetail, Australia's Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system. The tests were conducted in September and October off the Washington coast and over Puget Sound, Wash.The Boeing Company announced yesterday Nov. 9, that it has successfully completed tests of the Counter Measures Dispenser System for Project Wedgetail, Australia's Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system. In this photo, a 737 AEW&C aircraft releases flares during the tests. Completion of CMDS testing is a key step toward verification of the Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft's overall Electronic Warfare Self-Protection (EWSP) capability. EWSP is designed to warn aircrews about and protect against missiles targeting the aircraft. The CMDS responds to threats by releasing chaff and flares to decoy incoming missiles away from the aircraft. Boeing and its industry supplier, BAE Systems, developed and integrated the CMDS system. Testing included 19 flights that dispensed more than 500 units of chaff and flares. The AEW&C team collected data via five high-speed video cameras mounted on the Wedgetail aircraft and an additional video camera attached to a T-33 chase plane. "The testing program verified that the Boeing-installed self-protection system will effectively counter its intended threats reliably and safely," said Kermit Hollinger, Electronic Warfare manager for Boeing AEW&C Programs. "This milestone is the latest example of Boeing's ability to integrate military systems onto commercial aircraft and provide our customers with low-risk, cost-effective solutions to their operational requirements." Project Wedgetail includes six 737 AEW&C aircraft plus ground support segments for mission crew training, mission support and system maintenance. The 737 AEW&C aircraft, based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 commercial airplane, is designed to provide airborne battle-management capability with an advanced multirole electronically scanned radar and 10 state-of-the-art mission crew consoles. Able to track airborne and maritime targets simultaneously, the mission crew can direct offensive and defensive forces while maintaining continuous surveillance of the operational area. A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

Australia RAAF AWACS Are More Eyes In The Skies

Australia RAAF AWACS Are More Eyes In The Skies

(NSI News Source Info) April 18, 2009: Australia ran a successful test where one of their Wedgetail AWACS (which is also able to perform maritime reconnaissance) aircraft was able to control three ScanEagle UAVs. This enables the Wedgetail to expand its recon capabilities, using its own AESA radar and the video on the UAVs to quickly identify land or sea traffic. In 1997, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems was awarded a contract to supply four AEW&C aircraft (whose design is based on the Boeing Business Jet 1), with Australia having the option to increase the order by three additional aircraft. Australia has since taken up two of those options. Aircraft deliveries were to begin in 2006, but significant program delays due to integration problems have occurred. The first two Wedgetail aircraft were assembled and will undergo testing in Seattle, Washington, with the final four aircraft to be assembled by Boeing Australia. All the Australian aircraft will be operated by No. 2 Squadron RAAF and will be based at RAAF Base Williamtown with a permanent detachment at RAAF Base Tindal. For the Australian aircraft, Boeing and Northrop are teamed with Boeing Australia, Ltd., BAE Systems Australia and Qantas Defence Services. Boeing Australia will provide training, maintenance and support, BAE provides EWSP systems, Electronic Support Measures (ESM) systems and ground support systems, while Qantas provides maintenance support for the aircraft. Qantas also provides maintenance for the two BBJ VIP aircraft of the RAAF. On June 29, 2006 the then Australian Minister for Defence, Brendan Nelson, announced that Boeing had recently informed the Australian Government that the Wedgetail project has fallen behind schedule. According to Nelson's press release, the company had previously maintained that the project was actually on schedule. Boeing has announced an 18 month delay, due to problems integrating radar and sensor computer systems, and will not deliver the aircraft until early 2009. Additionally, Boeing has taken $770 million in charges in 2006 for the delayed aircraft. Furthermore, on June 20, 2008 Boeing announced yet another delay to the Australian program, due primarily to integration of the radar and Electronic Support Measure (ESM) systems. Boeing now hopes to deliver the first aircraft in July 2009 and work on the aircraft in Australia to achieve full capability in "early" 2010. On March 16, 2009 Boeing demonstrated control of 3 ScanEagle UAS from the Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft. Australia is using militarized Boeing 737 transports as the basis for its new Wedgetail maritime reconnaissance aircraft.

The cruise speed for the 737 is 910 kilometers an hour and the Wedgetail version has a crew of 8-12 pilots and equipment operators, who use the search radar and various other sensors.

The 737 has hard points on the wings for torpedoes or missiles. Any UAV with suitable communications equipment can be controlled by the Wedgetail. This technique has also been tested with fighter-bombers controlling UAVs.