Boeing 737-7es

Twin Jet

The Boeing 737-7ES Wedgetail is a highly specialized airborne early warning and control platform built on the 737-700 commercial airframe, distinguished by its massive dorsal Multi-Role Electronically Scanned Array radar housed in a distinctive top-mounted fairing. Developed for the Royal Australian Air Force and entering service in 2009, the Wedgetail represents Boeing's answer to traditional turboprop AEW platforms like the E-2 Hawkeye, offering jet speed and altitude with a proven commercial airframe. The aircraft's advanced radar can simultaneously track airborne and maritime targets across 4 million square kilometers, providing battlespace management for coalition forces. Australia operates six Wedgetails designated E-7A, with the type proving so capable that the United States Air Force selected it in 2023 to replace the aging E-3 Sentry AWACS fleet, and the UK Royal Air Force ordered three aircraft. The Wedgetail cruises at typical 737 speeds around Mach 0.78 at 41,000 feet, with endurance exceeding ten hours with aerial refueling, combining the operational flexibility of a commercial jet with the mission systems of a dedicated command and control aircraft. Its success has established the 737 platform as viable for high-end military missions beyond traditional transport and patrol roles. SkyMeter has tracked 14 flights across 4 airframes and 1 operators, with distinct routes observed.