The aircraft, one of three procured from Boeing by DE&S for the Royal Air Force, flew from Birmingham Airport where it underwent its initial build phase with STS Aviation.
Set to operate from RAF Lossiemouth, Wedgetail will act as airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system and provide ‘eyes in the sky’ for at least 20 years.
Replacing the E-3D Sentry fleet, the E-7 detects and identifies targets at long range and tracks multiple airborne and maritime threats simultaneously with 360-degree coverage from the aircraft’s Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) sensor.
The aircraft is based on a Boeing 737NG airliner but modified to carry Northrop Grumman’s active electronically-scanned radar. The E-7 Wedgetail modification programme has created more than 100 highly skilled jobs in the Birmingham area. Overall, the programme is expected to create 700 jobs across the UK, with over 300 of these already established.
In a statement, Richard Murray, director Air Support at DE&S, said: “This first flight marks a significant milestone for the programme and for our team, who have worked tirelessly with our partners to progress what is a hugely complex endeavour. We are moving forward and will be delivering this critical capability to the RAF.”
Due to enter service with the first aircraft delivered next year, the three-aircraft fleet will operate from RAF Lossiemouth where a new engineering line building, accommodation and squadron facilities have been or are being constructed in readiness for their arrival.
Capable of fulfilling a range of missions, Wedgetail will provide high-fidelity and accurate target information using its MESA sensor housed in a distinctive fin on the spine of the aircraft.
The sensor, combined with an advanced communications suite, is said to enable the crew to provide tactical control to other assets via voice and tactical data links, while enhancing the situational awareness of Joint Force commanders.
Group Captain Richard Osselton, RAF programme director for Wedgetail, said: “Achieving the first flight of Wedgetail is a significant milestone, representing an outstanding effort from the RAF programme team, DE&S, Boeing and STS Aviation Services. We will now build on this success and look forward to continuing the Test & Evaluation phase as part of our preparations for the aircraft to enter service with the RAF.”
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