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Boeing E-7 Wedgetail

Started by McColm, June 21, 2025, 08:59:12 PM

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McColm

 The USAF needs to replace their aging Boeing E-3 Sentry fleet originally they ordered the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail but due to technical problems and spiralling costs the Trump Administration has decided to use the Grumman E-2Ds.

Across the pond the British Royal Air Force has also ordered the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail but the only serviceable aircraft has also run into technical problems due to the specifications. Reports have suggested that the aircraft has only flown three times and 164 million pounds has been spent so far on this project. Both the M.O.D.U.K and Boeing are keeping quiet on the progress.  Unlike the Americans the UK doesn't have a dedicated alternative option, the Royal Navy's Merlin Crows Nest AEW helicopters have also run into technical problems and a replacement is being sought, NATO E-3s are providing coverage.

Other customers such as the Royal Australian Air Force are providing training for the RAF crews. Turkey and the Republic of Korea have also selected the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail.
NATO has shown an interest to replace its 14 E-3As,so has Saudi Arabia and possibly Canada.
Italy has chosen the Gulfstream G550 CAEW.
United Arab Emirates choice is the Saab GlobalEye.

Other alternatives are; the SAAB GlobalEye which uses the Erieye radar installed on the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 long-range business jet.

Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.

Boeing E-767

Embraer R-99

Gulfstream G550 CAEW


McColm

Model kits and conversionsthat are currently available as of June 2025

1/72 Broplan vacuform & injection moulded parts Saab GlobalEye



1/72 Custom Gulfstream G550 CAEW



1/72 RVHP Embraer R-99



Boeing E767 JASDF
1/144 Welsh Models,  1/200 Hasegawa,  1/700 Pit-Road



Boeing E-7 Wedgetail
1/72 Welsh Models South Korean  Peace Eye
1/72 BPK
1/144 Academy
1/144 Contrails conversion set
1/144 Hawkeye Models conversion set



Grumman E-2D is well provided for in various scales

Decals can be sourced for all of these models on aftermarket websites.