Simviation Forums

OK...I don't have pictures, so sorry.  :P I was driving past YSSY today and I noticed an unusual visitor. It was a 737...It had an "N" registration so I guess it was from the US and it also had a paint job not unlike that of the old Boeing House colours. I also noticed that it had a radar fairing on the top of its tail much like the back of an E-4B or Space Shuttle Columbia. Anyone know what this plane is? Is it some sort of military testbed? And if so, what was it doing in Australia with an "N" registration number?  :-? Help appreciated.  ;)

AEW 737 AKA Wedgetail

Wait sorry I should mention that it did NOT have a radome like an AWACS or E-4B. It also had winglets and the radar fairing in the tail...  ;)

Although it's a Wedgetail in this pic, it does show that the reg is American, even on the Australian aircraft.
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1089682/L/

I'm willing to bet it's a 737 that's just been delivered to the RAAF, and currently is still sporting the US reg. Export aircraft tend to carry a reg from the country they're made in, until they're delivered.

[quote]Wait sorry I should mention that it did NOT have a radome like an AWACS or E-4B. It also had winglets and the radar fairing in the tail...

You mean kinda like this???


     

Ah yes Tweek you seem to be right. We have a Boeing plant down at Bankstown Airfield...this plane may have been awaiting radar component fitting. Sweet! If the E-4B doesn't count I have just seen my first AWACS/AEW...if I didn't see an E-2C Hawkeye when USS Nimitz came to Sydney...  ;D

We have a Boeing plant down at Bankstown Airfield...this plane may have been awaiting radar component fitting.

You are indeed correct. Can't remember how many the RAAF are getting though.

the raaf ordered 6 all up, the first two are already supposed to be in service at 2 squadron in williamtown and a further 4 are supposed to be ready for service by 2008