Military AI Works

Announced today....

RAF Lossiemouth will be the new home of the UK's fleet of Wedgetail AEW Mk1 surveillance aircraft, bolstering Scotland's key role in UK and NATO defence security, Defence Minister Baroness Goldie announced today.
Delivering a step change in capability from the current E-3D Sentry, the Wedgetail is capable of simultaneously tracking multiple airborne and maritime targets, using the information it gathers to improve situational awareness and direct assets such as fighter jets and warships. The Wedgetail has previously been used by the Royal Australian Air Force on operations against Daesh in Iraq and Syria.
The Wedgetail will be co-located with the new Poseidon fleet, with the first four submarine-hunting aircraft already providing operational support in the region.


Jim

Having both fleets of Boeing 737 based derivatives at the same station seems remarkably astute - logistically.

It was traditionally the home of the AEW fleet, with both the Navy's AEW Gannets based there and then, after Lossie was transferred to the RAF, the AEW Shackletons of 8 Sqn (in which I flew many times - great fun!). The introduction of the Sentry was done at a time when the V Force had gone, and they needed to get something into Waddington - or lose it. From a tactical point of view, Waddington was always a less good choice than Lossie.

However, when the Scots get independence, they'll have to move them all back down south...

I always found the Shackleton a very nice looking aircraft. Definitely something for the wish list.

Alas, it's not on mine Martin - not with 8 contra-rotating props to tag through the LODs in FSX/P3D.

John

I know that, John. You told me years ago, and therefore I keep myself from mentioning the Shackleton in your next project threads. Although it hurts deeply because I know your Shackleton would be absolutely stunning.