AUSTRALIA PLANS to release a shortlist of contenders for its airborne early-warning-and-control (AEW&C) re- quirement by the middle of September. Subject to Government approval, a request for tenders is expected to be issued at the same time, with the winner to be announced in late 1997.
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) requires a minimum of four aircraft, with delivery beginning around 2002.
The RAAF will not disclose which companies responded to its invitation to register interest in the AEW&C programme, designated Project Wedgetail. It will say only that no existing AEW aircraft is considered to be suitable.
A project-definition study was completed in December 1995, resulting in a requirement to maintain 24h continuous operation over 30 days, 550km (300nm) from base.
Likely bidders are Boeing, with its 767-based airborne warning-and-control system; Israel Aircraft Industries, with its Phalcon AEW system; and Lockheed Martin, with an AEW&C variant of the C-130J already on order for the RAAF.
Source: Flight International
