Regarding the Qatari's anouncing their plans to purchase Boeing 737 AEW&C's with the Grumman MESA radar, it looks like that combination is fast becoming the platform of choice. As some one has already pointed out, having a B-737 based MPA and AEW platform has to save money along the line (clever Australia). So maybe if our Government decides to eventually purchase a new MPA then maybe the E-3D replacement should be a "Wedgetail" variant that will of course be fully sorted by then. Snag might be is how long the B 737 airframe stays in production as our E-3D's were the last B 707 types off the production line, we only just caught that particular boat. That is why the Japanese had to purchase the oversize B 767 based platform with the same radar installed (and as a result strengthen their runways at vast expense).
If any forum members are particularly interested in AEW aircraft then feel free to have a look at my new website "AEW World" which is dedicated to all aspects of AEW.
It includes the History of the subject, all the Manufacturers Serial numbers, Bureau of Aeronautics numbers and Squadron codes of virtually every AEW aircraft ever built from 1944 to date.
There is a modelling section that contains build sequences of plastic, resin and wood models and a Gallery of my completed models.
Another section relays the latest news and developments of AEW&C platforms around the world. Finally there is a Book section that lists the top ten books written on the subject.
Come along and have a look at
AEW World - Home
There’s something there for everyone who is interested in the subject.
Cheers
Ian Shaw
