Contract signed for delayed US Air Force E-7A deal
Boeing to begin development of USAF E-7. (Image: Boeing)
The UK and US have ordered the Boeing 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system which is already operated by Australia (E-7 Wedgetail), South Korea (Peace Eye) and Turkey (Peace Eagle).
Boeing has been awarded US$2.6 billion contract by the US Air Force (USAF) for two rapid prototype E-7A AEW&C aircraft which includes lifecycle development, training and support for the US Air Force’s E-7A fleet.
This makes the US the fifth contract customer alongside Australia, South Korea, Turkey and the UK, with NATO also selecting the aircraft. The US version is expected to have a substantial improvement over existing versions with a focus on battle management and control.
The US version is an interim measure between the retirement of ageing Boeing E-3 Sentry aircraft and the introduction of an Advanced Moving Target Indicator
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