First Aerial Refuelling for Australia’s B737 Wedgetail
SEATTLE, Jan. 15, 2009 – The Boeing Company today announced it has completed the first aerial refuelling of a 737 platform. The historic flights were conducted for Project Wedgetail, Australia’s airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) program.
Flying at 25,000 feet above Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., on Jan. 7, Boeing pilot Ron Johnston manoeuvred the 737-700 AEW&C aircraft into a U.S. Air Force KC-10 tanker’s refuelling boom envelope and easily maintained its position below the tanker. The 737 received approximately 14,000 pounds [of fuel during two connections with the tanker.
“The aircraft was stable, with excellent flying qualities and engine response behind the tanker,” said Johnston.
The aircraft achieved another aerial-refuelling first on Jan. 10, when it received fuel from a US Air Force KC-135 tanker.
“The 737 AEW&C aircraft’s highly automated and efficient refuelling system worked flawlessly in both tests,” said Maureen Dougherty, AEW&C Program vice president for Boeing. “This is a key milestone in certifying the AEW&C system.
“Air-to-air refuelling is a force multiplier for the AEW&C aircraft,” Dougherty added, “allowing it to stay on station for significantly longer periods of time while providing critical battle-management and surveillance capabilities.”
Project Wedgetail includes six Boeing 737 AEW&C aircraft plus ground support segments for mission crew training, mission support and system maintenance.
