BAE Systems wins contract extension for support of RAAF Wedgetails

BAE Systems will continue support for electronic warfare sub-systems on Royal Australian Air Force Wedgetail aircraft under a $71 million contract extension.

The award, from Boeing Defense Australia, extends the existing support contract for the early warning and control aircraft to at least mid-2019, BAE Systems said, and follows Boeing’s signing of a Wedgetail support extension deal with the government.

“BAE Systems is a key partner in the Wedgetail support program”, said Mark Horton, BDA’s acting Wedgetail In-Service Support Program manager. “The extension to BAE Systems’ contract recognizes the results achieved during the initial support period and continues the excellent partnership we have established.”

The Wedgetail is based on Boeing’s 737 platform. It has a cruise speed of 530 miles per hour, a range of 3,500 nautical miles and a service ceiling of 41,000 feet.

Engineering, maintenance and spares support for the Wedgetail electronic warfare suite has been provided by BAE Systems for the past two and a half years.