Military's New E-7 Wedgetail Aircraft Out for a Spin with Red Arrows at Air Tattoo Event
The Royal Air Force (RAF) recently welcomed a significant addition to its fleet, with the arrival of the new UK E-7 Wedgetail fleet at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland. This cutting-edge surveillance fleet, hailed as the most capable and operationally proven airborne early warning and control platform in use today, will significantly enhance the lethality and survivability of friendly aircraft and naval assets while operating in a hostile environment.
Prior to its arrival, the E-7 Wedgetail performed a 'touch and go' on the runway at MOD Boscombe Down for further system testing. Boeing, the primary company involved in the production and development of the UK E-7 Wedgetail fleet, including the modernization of aircraft at its Birmingham facility, played a crucial role in preparing the Wedgetail for its new home.
Scottish business McLaughlin & Harvey Construction Limited have been awarded a contract to build a news facility for the UK E-7 Wedgetail fleet at RAF Lossiemouth. The infrastructure at this Scottish base will house not only the new Wedgetail fleet but also the recently completed Atlantic infrastructure and the nine-strong fleet of P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, both of which are based upon the widely used Boeing 737 Next Generation airframe.
Group Captain Richard Osselton stated that the Wedgetail's appearance at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) reinforces the hard work and collaboration of those contributing to the project. The RAF's Wedgetail made its first ever flypast with the Red Arrows at the RIAT in Fairford, Gloucester, a moment that undoubtedly marked a milestone in the project's history.
The RIAT, which celebrated 100 years of air-to-air refuelling, was a fantastic weekend for the Royal Air Force. The RAF's refuelling aircraft - Voyager - flew with colleagues from a range of countries to demonstrate the aircraft's capability. Squadron Leader Jon Bond, Team Leader and Red 1 of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, expressed his delight at welcoming a new addition to the Royal Air Force's fleet.
The Poseidon MRA1 (P-8A) carried out a flypast over its base of RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland. The Red Arrows aircraft flew in formation on the wings of the Boeing aircraft during the flypast, a sight that no doubt left spectators in awe.
The UK's Wedgetail will serve under No. 8 Squadron and will be located at RAF Lossiemouth. The new news facility, ready for the arrival of the UK E-7 Wedgetail fleet, will ensure that this state-of-the-art workstation-equipped mission crew can deliver a multi-domain battle management capability, further strengthening the RAF's capabilities in the years to come.
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