Wedgetail era opens

The Defence Minister and CAF with a model of an AEW&C at the opening of the HQ for the aircraft and 2SQN.

By Andrew Stackpool

AUSTRALIA’S new Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Wedgetail aircraft have a new home.

Defence Minister Robert Hill opened the new headquarters for the recently re-formed No 2 Squadron, which will fly the Wedgetail, at RAAF Base Williamtown on March 5.

“The headquarters is the first tangible delivery for the project, which in the three years since project signature is ahead of schedule and on budget,” Senator Hill said. “The opening of the headquarters also marks the first stage of a $149 million redevelopment of the base. That includes hangars and parking areas for the Wedgetail and improvements to the runways and taxiways.”

He said the Wedgetail was based on Boeing’s next generation 737 aircraft, which is being modified to accommodate sophisticated mission systems and radar.

“The aircraft will have far more flexibility and capability than other similar platforms in service today,” he said.
CO 2SQN Wing Commander Tracey Friend said the Squadron’s 38 people were excited about their new acquisition and the capabilities it would provide.

“The Wedgetail is capable of many roles including force coordination and civil support, but its primary functions of air and maritime surveillance and air defence control will bring the greatest enhancement to the ADF’s ability to conduct air operations both at home and abroad,” WGCDR Friend said.

“My people realise they have been given a rare opportunity to contribute to the establishment of a brand new capability and they are enjoying the challenges of standing up the Squadron.

“Everybody is pleased to have relocated into our purpose-built headquarters, as it visibly marks the start of the Wedgetail era. We have only two and a half years until the first aircraft flies into Williamtown and we have a lot to do in a very short time. We look forward to the opportunities that await us.”

Meanwhile, the first aircraft has now been painted in 2SQN’s colours – a red lightning bolt with a Fleur-de-lys on the tail flash; RAAF roundels on the rear fuselage; and the Squadron crest and Australian flag on the forward fuselage. The fleur-de-lys signifies the Squadron served in World War I, while the Squadron motto is Consilio Et Manu – To Advise and Strike.

The first Wedgetail flight will take place in Seattle, USA, in May and the Air Force will take delivery of the first two aircraft in November 2006.

The Squadron’s 38 personnel include crew, maintenance technicians, administrative and logistics staff.
More personnel will join the squadron each year to undertake training and assist with the introduction into service of the AEW&C capability.

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