2 Questions, 787 and wedgetail!

[David Inskip]

Morning All,

I have had two questions on my mind for a while now and tried to find them out myself but my research department isn't really working for me at the moment...

I have been watching the news regarding the 787 flying to Japan. Got me thinking when is the proposed time that Australia expects to see a 787 in either Qantas or Jetstar colours?

My other question is does anyone know how many wedgetail the RAAF has got flying our skies? I herd a WGTL callsign the other night on Live ATC so that got me thinking.

Thanks guys

[Brock Little]

2012 I believe David. And I think the RAAF currently has seven wedgetails.

[Peter Agatsiotis]

I think you'll find there are only 6 Wedgetails (A30-001 to 006).

check http://adf-serials.com

Click on RAAF Series 3.

They have a great photo of 3 W'Tails lined up at Williamtown.

One was on Mode-S this morning flightID was 'FRANK'

[Bob C]

Hi David

Four of the six Wedgetails are operational in Australia at present : A30-001, -003, -004 and -005.

[Brock Little]

Peter...that Wedgie (A30-001) with callsign FRANK did a missed approach here at OOL before heading south, probably to NTL. :)
http://i55.tinypic.com/10mkh0h.jpg

[Erik H. Bakke]

It may be a great asset to the service, but that thing is one ugly bugger...:D

[Peter Agatsiotis]

Nice shot Brock and I agree with you Erik.

Wonder how it copes with cross-winds on take-off or landing or would it be limited (as some airliners are).

we have strong westerlies in SYD again today, using 25 again with wind at 290 at 25 kts with gusts up to 35 kts forecast later, be nice to get one of these here.

Bob, yes I should have mentioned that not all 6 are operational or handed over yet.

[A McLaughlin]

One of the Wedgetails is remaining in Seattle to complete the ESM integration testing. Four are operational, and the final aircraft is still in completion at Amberley and is due to be handed over in the next couple of months. All six should be in service by mid 2012.

[David Inskip]

Hey Guys Thanks heaps for the reply.

"FRANK" some times i wonder who comes up with these callsigns. I will have to keep an ear out.

Once again thanks heaps...

[Bob C]

I recall that A30-001 reported as "WEDGEE" a few weeks ago. True !

[Philip Argy]

Here's a nice shot of the Wedgetail over Stockton Beach with Fingal Bay and the Tomaree peninsula in the background:


http://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/its-welcome-wedgetails-and-farewell-workhorses-20121119-29mkz.html?rand=6338047 (http://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/its-welcome-wedgetails-and-farewell-workhorses-20121119-29mkz.html?rand=6338047)

The latest capability was 'launched' yesterday.

[Peter Agatsiotis]

There were 3 of them airborne on Monday !

[Bob C]

And one in Qld !