A new era in Australian airborne surveillance was launched today with the first flight of the Royal Australian Air Force’s new "Wedgetail" Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft.

Defence Minister Robert Hill said the first flight conducted at Boeing Field in Seattle in the United States was a significant milestone in the $3.4 billion AEW&C project.

During the flight, tests were made on the Wedgetail’s systems and structures. The pilots were in constant contact with test engineers monitoring the flight. After touchdown, the aircraft was greeted by Air Vice Marshal Norm Gray, head of the AEW&C program.

"The Wedgetail program is a hugely complicated undertaking, incorporating leading edge software technologies," Senator Hill said.

"To have it progressing ahead of time and on budget and with all of our capability requirements met so far is a dream come true.

"My congratulations to the Defence Materiel Organisation project team led by Air Vice Marshal Norm Gray, and to Boeing, BAE Systems and all the subcontractors who have achieved a great deal in such a short time."

Senator Hill said that the Government’s high confidence in the Wedgetail project was demonstrated last week with the announcement that we would purchase an additional two aircraft, equipping Australia with a fleet of six.

Senator Hill said the aircraft would enhance Australia’s combat capability through leading-edge air and maritime surveillance.

"The Wedgetail is based on Boeing’s next generation 737 aircraft, which is being modified to accommodate an advanced phased-array radar and various other sophisticated mission systems ," Senator Hill said.

"The aircraft will have far more flexibility and capability than other similar platforms in service today."

The RAAF’s re-formed No 2 Squadron based at Williamtown near Newcastle will fly the AEW&C Wedgetail when it becomes operational. Delivery of the first two aircraft is scheduled for 2006.