Ministry of Defence E-7 Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning (AEW) Mk 1 Orbit Areas Change

This proposal is for a Permanent change to the notified airspace design, and the change level is 3.

Currently the E-3D Sentry AEW Mk 1 utilises the UK AEW areas for UK training and operations . In 2023 the E-7 Airborne Early Warning Wedgetail Mk 1 will enter RAF service. Though fulfilling the same role as the Sentry, advances in technology mean that the

Wedgetail will not be able to utilise the same orbits , although existing ones may still be utilised by our NATO/visiting forces partners . The Wedgetail will be required to fly 100 nm by 20 nm racetracks . In some UK AEW areas such as UK 1, 7 and 9 these racetrack parameters can be accommodated in the existing airspace structure. However, agreed structures /routes or suitable orbit/racetrack areas will be required in the North Sea area where the current Orbit Areas are not sufficient.

This is the area which may be affected by this airspace change depending on its development. This area may change as the proposal is developed.