Four New Stamps to Commemorate 90 Years
of RAAF were issued on 22.2.2011. The four Air Force Aviation stamps
feature the F-111 (60 cents), the F/A-18F Super Hornet (60 cents), the AEW&C
Wedgetail ($1.20) and the C-17 Globemaster III ($3.00). This good maxicard
sent to me by Vikki features the
Wedgetail.
The Boeing 737 AEW&C is a
twin-engine airborne early warning and control aircraft. It is lighter
than the 707-based Boeing E-3 Sentry, and mounts a fixed, electronically
scanned, rather than a rotating, radar antenna. It was designed for the Royal
Australian Air Force (RAAF) under "Project Wedgetail". The 737
AEW&C has also been selected by the Turkish Air Force, the Republic of
Korea Air Force, and has been proposed to Italy and the United Arab Emirates.
The Royal Australian Air Force Wedgetail airborne early warning and control
(AEW&C) aircraft began entering service in 2009. Six
Boeing 737 NGs are currently being modified to accommodate
sophisticated mission systems and radars that will increase Australia's
surveillance and air combat capability, provide air defence support for our
naval fleet, and assist in civil operations such as border protection and
search and rescue.
The Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft are operated by No 2
Squadron from RAAF Base Williamtown, near Newcastle. The first two Wedgetails
are being modified in the United States of America, with the remaining four
being modified at RAAF Base Amberley, near Brisbane. The postmark on the
stamp on this maxicard is from the PO at Amberly.