The UK Royal Air Force's Boeing E-3D Sentry AWACS aircraft have resumed normal flying activities, following the lifting of a temporary restriction imposed while safety checks were conducted.
"Non-operational routine flying with the E-3D Sentry fleet resumed on 24 April," armed forces minister Nick Harvey said in response to a parliamentary question on 30 April.
The decision to lift all restrictions on the Boeing 707-based type was made following an inspection conducted at RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire, after the discovery of faults in the rotodome supports of two aircraft.
"The RAF chain of command has reviewed the safety evidence relating to the E-3D Sentry and has no remaining safety concerns," Harvey said.
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An 8 Sqn-operated AWACS aircraft took part in a 25 April flypast over London (above) to mark the armed forces' contribution to last year's Operation Ellamy, the UK's contribution to the multinational campaign to protect Libyan civilians.
The type will also be involved in security activities linked to the London Olympics later this year, along with other military assets including Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft.
Source: Flight International
