Design and development Boeing 737 AEW&C

raaf wedgetail aerial refueling during exercise rimpac 2012

the 737 aew&c based on boeing 737 next generation design, similar 737-700er. aircraft uses northrop grumman electronic systems multi-role electronically scanned array (mesa) radar. l-band (1 2 ghz) electronically scanned aew , surveillance radar located on dorsal fin on top of fuselage, dubbed top hat , , designed minimal aerodynamic effect. radar capable of simultaneous air , sea search, fighter control , area search, maximum range of on 600 km (look-up mode). when operating in look-down mode against fighter-sized target, maximum range in excess of 370 km. when used against maritime targets, maximum range on 240 km frigate-sized targets. mesa capable of simultaneously tracking 180 targets , conducting 24 intercepts. in addition, radar antenna array doubled elint array, maximum range of on 850 km @ 9,000 meter altitude. 10.8 m long 3.4 m high antenna assembly incorporates 7.3 m long 2.7 m high side-emitting electronic manifold array, top hat supporting array providing 120° coverage on port , starboard side, while top hat array provides 60° fore , aft, providing complete 360° coverage. radar s beam can set 2° 8° width, while scan duration can set 3 s 40 s. radar signal processing equipment , central computer installed directly below antenna array.

other modifications include ventral fins counterbalance radar , countermeasures mounted on nose, wingtips , tail. in-flight refueling via receptacle on top of forward fuselage. cabin features 8 operator consoles sufficient space 4 more; australian fleet operate ten consoles space 2 more (four on port side , 6 on starboard side). northrop grumman s mesa radar formed basis same company s multi-platform radar technology insertion program (mp-rtip) developed united states air force s e-10 mc2a aircraft.