RAF's Wedgetail AEW shows off its new colours and VIII Squadron's Arabian dagger
The RAF's first Wedgetail AEW Mk1 Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft has received its new impressive paint scheme.
Revealed at Southend Airport, WT001 has been marked with the VIII Squadron emblem, which depicts a sheathed Arabian dagger known as a Jambiya, in recognition of the squadron's history in the region.
The weapon is sheathed to symbolise the squadron's guardian duties and was approved by King George VI in December 1943.
Wing Commander Sarah McDonnell, Officer Commanding VIII Squadron said: "Seeing the first UK Wedgetail painted with a visual representation of VIII Squadron's history is an exciting moment in the journey towards operational capability for the squadron, for RAF Lossiemouth and the RAF."
The aircraft also sports the badge of Nato's Airborne Early Warning & Control Force (NAEW&CF) as VIII Squadron will operate the Wedgetail alongside Nato forces in various roles.
The Wedgetail significantly enhances the capability of friendly combat aircraft and warships, enabling their missions and increasing their survivability in a hostile environment.
The aircraft is 33.6m long and has a wingspan of 35.6m.
It can be operated by two pilots and 10 crew members who will use their state-of-the-art workstations to deliver a multi-domain battle management capability, providing situational awareness to other assets, and direct offensive, and defensive forces whilst maintaining continuous surveillance of an area.
Capable of reaching speeds of 530mph, the Wedgetail also has a range of 6,000km.
The UK's Wedgetail will be located at RAF Lossiemouth alongside the nine-strong fleet of P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
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