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The United Kingdom’s first Boeing E-7 Wedgetail Airbourne Early Warning Mk1 aircraft has arrived at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland before beginning service with the Royal Air Force.
Following its departure from STS Aviation Services at Birmingham Airport, the Wedgetail with the registration number “WT001” has arrived at RAF Lossiemouth.
As the first aircraft in the fleet, WT001 is continuing its Test and Evaluation phase at its future Main Operating Base, marking another significant milestone in the programme’s progression.
The aircraft was flown to RAF Lossiemouth by a mixed crew of personnel from Boeing UK and the RAF.
The Test and Evaluation phase, which is split between MOD Boscombe Down and RAF Lossiemouth, is to ensure safe, efficient, and fully assured progression toward service entry.
When this phase is complete, the aircraft will be formally handed over from Boeing UK to the RAF, where it will be operated by 8 Squadron.
“We are delighted to welcome the arrival of the first Wedgetail aircraft to RAF Lossiemouth to continue its Test and Evaluation phase,” according to Group Captain Sarah Brewin, Station Commander RAF Lossiemouth.
“This marks a significant step in delivering the Royal Air Force’s next generation of airborne surveillance and control capabilities that will support the defence of the UK for the years to come.
“RAF Lossiemouth has been working hard to get ready to operate these aircraft, and we are looking forward very much to this next exciting chapter in the Station’s history when the aircraft enters RAF service.”
The aircraft will serve alongside the nine-strong fleet of Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, as both are based upon the widely used Boeing 737 Next Generation airframe; this will allow the RAF and Boeing to take advantage of synergies between the two fleets.
The Wedgetail is the RAF’s next-generation airborne early warning and control aircraft, designed to deliver long-range surveillance, battle management, and command and control for air and joint operations.
The platform is also in service and proven with the Royal Australian, Republic of Korea and Turkish Air Forces.
“The E-7 will provide the UK with the world’s most advanced, capable and reliable Airborne Early Warning and Control platform, while supporting British industry through UK jobs and supply chain opportunities,” according to Boeing E-7 Vice President and Program Manager Stu Voboril.
“Working closely with the RAF and the MOD, we look forward to continuing test and evaluation as the aircraft moves closer to entry into service.”
On arrival at RAF Lossiemouth, the aircraft was met by the Station Commander, Group Captain Sarah Brewin, with representatives from Boeing UK, the Wedgetail Project Team and 8 Sqn. A member of the RAF Lossiemouth Pipe Band was also there to give the aircraft a truly Scottish welcome.
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