Boeing to Develop 2 New E-7 Variants for 26-Strong, $1.2B Order
The Air Force has signaled its intent to buy 26 Boeing E-7A Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft to replace its fleet of aging E-3s, with a total value of $1.2 billion up for grabs. The E-7A provides real time tracking for airborne targets with command and control capability for allied aircraft throughout the 'battlespace'. The E-7A uses the 737-700 as a base, allowing a generational increase in reliability and efficiency over the downright vintage Boeing 707 used by the E-3.