RAAF Boeing E-7A Wedgetail #A30-003

RAAF Boeing E-7A Wedgetail A30-003: Australia's Eyes in the Sky

(Photo By Phillip Brown)

Origins and Development

Australia's journey with the Wedgetail began in 2000 when the government awarded Boeing a contract to supply AEW&C aircraft. The first two Wedgetails were assembled and modified in the United States, while the remaining units were modified at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland.

A bare metal N359BJ prior to being painted and becoming A30-003

(Photo By Ry Jones)

Wedgetail A30-003: A Closer Look

A30-003 is one of the six Boeing 737-7ES aircraft modified for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) under the E-7A Wedgetail program. This fleet provides Australia with advanced airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) capabilities.

The E-7A Wedgetail is equipped with the Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar system, providing real-time surveillance and battle management. Over a 10-hour mission, the Wedgetail can cover more than four million square kilometers, an area the size of Western Australia

Operational Role and Capabilities

Based on the Boeing 737-700 series, the E-7A Wedgetail is equipped with a powerful radar system, providing real-time surveillance and battle management. This capability allows the RAAF to coordinate joint air, sea, and land operations effectively.

Aircraft Specifications

• Model: Boeing 737-7ES

• Construction Number (c/n): 33476-1810

• Role: Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C)

• Primary Mission: Surveillance, command, control, and coordination of joint air, sea, and land operations

Operational History

• First Flight: January 23, 2008, from Boeing Australia's Amberley facility

• Delivery to RAAF: December 2, 2010

• Civil Registration (Pre-RAAF Service): N359BJ

• Squadron Assignment: No. 2 Squadron, RAAF

• Base: RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales

A30-003: Exercises and deployments

• Civil Registration: Before its military service, A30-003 was registered as N359BJ.

• Delivery to RAAF: The aircraft was delivered to No. 2 Squadron on December 2, 2010.

• First Flight: A30-003's inaugural flight from RAAF Base Williamtown took place on January 24, 2011.

• Public Display: It was showcased at the Australian International Airshow over the years.

• Operational Deployment: The aircraft has participated in various exercises and missions, including Exercise Arnhem Thunder in April 2009 as well as;

• Operation Kudu (2024): A30-003 was deployed to Europe in support of NATO operations. Operating outside the airspace of Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus it provided early warning capabilities and surveillance over areas outside Ukraine's borders. Ensuring the safety of humanitarian and military aid deliveries. The deployment lasted six months, with the aircraft flying approximately 250 hours on missions averaging five hours each .

• Search for MH370 (2014): Participated in the multinational search efforts for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 off Australia's west coast .

Photo By Ev Brown

Getting The Skin

AusTags was thrilled to find material in 2021 which was preserved during airframe modifications to strengthen the airframe for the MESA Radar. We knew that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to tag this material due to the current operational status of the Wedgetail and the rarity of such material.

Conclusion

A30-003 exemplifies the RAAF's commitment to maintaining a modern and capable air force. Its advanced surveillance and command capabilities ensure that Australia remains vigilant and prepared in an increasingly complex strategic environment.

A30-003 continues to be a vital asset for the RAAF, contributing to Australia's defense and international security efforts.

We are so proud that we can share part of this amazing aircraft with you all.