By
MAJ Michael Leichsenring and PTE John Wellfare
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An
AEW&C aircraft.
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NO.
2 Squadron’s tactics for the Airborne Early Warning and Control
(AEW&C) aircraft have been tested during an exercise with Army
subjectmatter experts.
The fourth Exercise Armchair Warrior, held at RAAF Base Williamtown
late last year, focused on exploring the AEW&C fleet’s coordination
role and the aircraft’s interaction with Army operations.
The exercise also helped with the development and validation of
Wedgetail tactical procedures in the areas of strike support,
land support, support to special operations and reconnaissance
support.
Analysts observed and recorded the procedures employed by the
operators, which will be combined with the participants’ feedback
to contribute to the development of AEW&C tactical procedures.
Army experts assisted in developing the tactical procedures to
be used by the AEW&C aircraft systems under Project Wedgetail.
Development of tactical procedures is an essential element of
achieving an AEW&C operational capability as soon as possible
after the first aircraft is delivered.
The next Ex Armchair Warrior, to be conducted later this year,
will focus on interaction with maritime elements.
The AEW&C Boeing 737 aircraft will enter service through 2006-07,
and will be used primarily for airborne surveillance and battlespace
management.
