Boeing 737 AEW&C

Type (Muster)
Airborne early warning aircraft (Frühwarnflugzeug)

Country (Land)
USA

Manufacturer (Hersteller)
Boeing (Miltary Aircraft and Missile Systems)
PO Box 3707
Seattle, WA 98124

Phone: 001-206/237-2121
Fax: 001-206/237-1706

General (Allgemeine Angaben)
Crew (Besatzung): 2 plus six to ten systems operators in the cabin (six multi-role consoles)

Power plant (Antrieb): 2 x CFM International CFM56-7
Thrust (Schub): derated to 27300 lbs (121,3 kN)

Dimensions (Abmessungen)
Length (Länge): 33,63 m
Height (Höhe): 12,55 m
Span (Spannweite): 34,31 m
Wing area (Flügelfläche): 125 sq m

Cabin length (Kabinenlänge): 24,18 m
Cabin width (Kabinenbreite): 3,53 m
Cabin height (Kabinenhöhe): 2,13 m
Floor area (Kabinenfläche): 75,1 sq m
Cabin volume (Kabinenvolumen): 148,7 cu m

Weights (Massen)
Typical operating weight empty (Einsatz-Leermasse): 46610 kg
Max. fuel (Max. Kraftstoff): ca. 42310 litres maximum with belly tanks
Max. ramp weight (Max. Masse am Boden): 77790 kg
Max. take-off weigth (Max. Startmasse): 77565 kg

Performance (Flugleistungen)
Max. speed (max. Fluggeschwindigkeit): Mach 0.78
Normal cruise speed (Reisegeschwindigkeit): 760 km/h
Approach speed (Anfluggeschwindigkeit): ca. 250 km/h
Normal operating altitude (Einsatzhöhen): 30000 - 40000 ft
Service ceiling (Dienstgipfelhöhe): over 41000 ft
Take-off field length (Startstrecke): ca. 1660 m
Landing field length (Landestrecke): ca. 1100 m
Design range (Reichweite): over 5550 km (3000 NM)
Time on station (Patrouillenzeit): over 9 hrs

Price (Kosten)
Australia will pay around 1,4 billion US-Dollars for seven aircraft, but including lots of support services, training etc.

Customers (Kunden)
Australia has selected the 737 AEW&C for its "Wedgetail" requirement. Seven aircraft are expected to be ordered, worth around 1,4 billion US-Dollars.
Boeing hopes for further sales, for example to Turkey.

Competitors (Konkurrenz)
Raytheon A310 "Wedgetail"

Remarks (Bemerkungen)
The AEW&C-version (Airborne Early Warning and Control) of the Boeing 737 airliner is based on the BBJ variant, that is combining the -700 fuselage with the strengthened center section, wing and landing gear of the -800. It has fuel tanks in the cargo hold as well.
A Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar is fitted on top of the fuselage. Its transmit/receive modules are mounted on each side of the pylon and at the fore and aft ends of the "hat". Over 3000 targets can be tracked at 190 NM, with maximum detection range apparently beyond 400 NM. L-Band is used. Total weight of the system is said to be around 5450 kg and power consumption 34 kW.
The equipment is based on a flexible, open-system architecture, with an extensive communications suite (HF, VHF/UHF, Link 4A, Link 11, SATCOM) as well as electronic self-protection systems. Aerial refuelling capability is included.
Boeing is teamed with Northrop Grumman (MESA radar), BAe Australia and Qantas for the Australian "Wedgetail" contract.

History (Geschichte)
Australia conducted a Project Definition Study for a AEW&C capability from 1994 to 1996. On 2 December 1997, Australian defence minister Ian McLachlan announced Government approval for the acquisition of an AEW&C aircraft, after a Strategic Review.
Boeing, as well as competitors Raytheon and Lockheed Martin (C-130J) got an initial design contract worth 6 million US-Dollars in December 1997, to further refine their bids for the Australian Project Air 5077 competition.
Full tenders were submitted on 27 January 1999.
Boeing was delared the "clear winner" and selected as the preferred bidder for the "Wedgetail" programme on 21. July 1999. Contract negotiations started shortly thereafter and were still ongoing in February 2000, despite the earlier aim to sign a contract by the end of 1999.
Delivery of the first aircraft is scheduled for 2004 or 2005. The aircraft are to be based at RAAF Williamstown north of Sydney, with a forward detachment at Tindal, close to Darwin. Operator will be No 2 squadron.
In the meantime, the 737 is again competing with the Raytheon A310 in Turkey. A selection was expected in the summer of 1999, but this was delayed. Final bids were submitted in mid-February 2000, and a decision may now be taken during the summer.

Last updated 8. February 2000

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