PHOTO: RAAF Wedgetail refuels at Red Flag Alaska

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A Royal Australian Air Force E-737 Wedgetail, Airborne Warning and Control System, moves into position to receive fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 349th Air Refueling Squadron, McConnell AFB, Kan., over the Joint Pacific Range Complex near Eielson AFB, Alaska, June 20, 2012, during Red Flag-Alaska 12-2. Red Flag-Alaska is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored, joint/coalition, tactical air combat employment exercise which corresponds to the operational capability of participating units. The entire exercise takes place in the Joint Pacific Range Complex over Alaska as well as a portion of Western Canada for a total airspace of more than 67,000 square miles. (Defense Media Activity - Hawaii News Bureau Photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael Holzworth)

Boeing accepts charge on new 737 AEW&C problems

Boeing's fourth quarter earnings statement includes a $136 million charge against earnings on its AEW&C programme. This marks a new setback for the deliveries of 737 airborne early warning and control system aircraft to Australia and Turkey. Boeing blames the writedown on "additional software development and testing" and "resolution of test programme issues" for the Australian and Turkish aircraft respectively.

Boeing completes first Wedgetail mission crew training course for RAAF

Boeing has completed the first Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) mission crew training course at RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales. The seven-month course saw eight instructors and three role players from Boeing Defence Australia providing eight RAAF students with more than 1,200 hours of programmed training.