News Review: Initial acceptance for first two Wedgetails | ADM Jun 2010

This milestone, and the granting of a Special Flight Permit pending completion of military type certification, enables the RAAF to operate the aircraft without a Boeing crew onboard, and removes the US civil registration from the two jets.

"Over a decade since the project first started it is finally now ready to be used for Air Force training.

"I congratulate all parties, including the Department, Air Force and the Wedgetail's manufacturer Boeing who have got us to this point," Defence Materiel Minister Greg Combet said.

"The two surveillance aircraft will significantly increase Australia's surveillance capabilities and, as outlined in the Rudd Government's Defence White Paper, the Wedgetail will be critical in supporting our future ADF."

"This is good news, although there are still a number of hurdles to overcome," Combet added.

"Defence will continue to work alongside Boeing to support the ramp up of training and the final delivery of all six completed aircraft.

"The Royal Australian Air Force will now commence formal training and building operational capability over the next 12 months."

The third Wedgetail is scheduled for initial acceptance in June and the fourth in September.

A US-based aircraft is expected to take part in EX RIMPAC in Hawaii in July this year as part of its acceptance test program.

Final Acceptance is now planned for December this year, with Initial Operational Capability for the Wedgetail force expected in late-2011.

In January this year Defence and Boeing signed a five-year, $800 million In Service Support contract to sustain the Wedgetail.

Combet said the Wedgetail project has also benefited local industry and local jobs: "The Wedgetail project will not only boost the nation's defence capabilities but it has benefited local industry and will support 200 local jobs in the sustainment phase of the project."