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Aviation History
2002
2002 - 3378.PDF
DEFENCE TRANSPORTS GUY NORRIS / LONG BEACH C-17 production poised to expand Manufacturer is ahead of output schedule and could deliver small orders without jeopardising USAF obligations Boeing is studying ways to increase C-17 production beyond 15 a year amid signs of new international sales and leases, some the result of further slippages in the Airbus Military A400M programme. "If several countries showed enough interest we could and would increase the rate," says Boeing C-17 vice-president and pro gramme manager David Bowman. European NATO nations discussed a planned C-17 lease or acquisition earlier this month (Flight International, 12-18 November). Although not commenting directly on proposals, Bowman says: "We are internally laying out different scenarios about how it can be done. We are looking at how different options meet differ ent needs." Bowman adds: "We are also getting more interest from individ ual countries right now, some of which may want to go it alone, and some that would support a concept of pooling." Although orders would officially be added to the backlog for delivery in 2010 and beyond, Bowman says: "Countries with a small purchase requirement of four aircraft could be delivered within 12 months - while still allowing us to work within the US Air Force schedule." C-17 production is almost five months ahead of schedule, which gives Boeing additional delivery positions without threatening its USAF contract obligations. The 100th aircraft for the USAF is expected to be delivered in March, rather than the contractural date of early August 2003. The USAF's 93rd C-17 was handed over on 8 November. This aircraft is the 100th C-17 built, with the balance consisting of two test airframes, the prototype and the UK Royal Air Force's four C-l 7s. The RAF could take further C-l 7s. "The UK is asking about out right purchases," says Bowman. It is believed to be discussing options ranging from lease extensions, trade-ins of its current fleet, to tak ing up to 12 or more additional C-l 7s. "Certainly the RAF would like to own these aircraft," says Bowman. Further prospects include Australia and Canada, the latter described as a 50:50 prospect for four or more aircraft. Australia is meanwhile "asking price and schedule questions", Bowman says. Boeing also indicates that discus sions with the USAF for an extra 42 aircraft, taking the US procurement to 222 C-l 7s, are expected to be finalised by early 2004. DEVELOPMENT Aero Vodochody targets Greece, India and Poland with its L-159 Aero Vodochody has begun flight trials of its L-159 light attack aircraft/advanced trainer equipped with an in-flight refuelling probe as it tries to attract export customers. The Czech manufacturer's latest target is Greece, with India and Poland also seen as key customers. The prototype L-159B two-seat advanced trainer has been flying with the probe since August. Aero has been required to develop the capabil ity to allow the Czech air force's single-seat L-159As to participate in NATO operations. The company also believes the capability will make the aircraft more attractive to potential export customers. The probe is a fixed design mounted on the starboard fuselage ahead of the cockpit. UK company Flight Refuelling acted as design consultant, says Aero. Greek officials visited Aero at the end of last month, but are not expected to select a winner for some time. Aero will demonstrate the L-159B at the Polish air force's Debling avia tion academy this month. The L-159 is expected to face severe competition from the BAE Systems Hawk. Aero is also seeking to unseat the UK-built aircraft as the Indian air force's favoured candidate. A joint del- An in-flight refuelling probe would attract potential export customers egation from the Czech government and Aero visited India recently. The Czech government, Boeing and engine and avionics supplier Honeywell have told India that the potential deal has the support of Prague and Washington DC as well as the US companies that are willing to transfer production of Indian aircraft and engines to Hindustan Aero nautics. India is reluctant to acquire a trainer with US components as it has had problems sourcing spares because of previous sanctions. BALLISTIC MISSILES Iran could have long-range capability by 2004 Iran has ground tested the North Korean-built booster for the Shihab- 4 ballistic missile, says Israel's Jaffee Centre for Strategic Studies. North Korea is also assisting Iran to develop solid fuel boosters for its tactical missiles while Tehran is continuing with a parallel effort to develop the Shihab-3. The Shihab-3, which has been test flown several times, has a 1,300km (700nm) range while the Shihab-4 is intended to have a 2,000km range, but is untested. Jaffee Centre analysts say the Iranians are also developing solid fuel boosters for their missiles. Such a booster was tested on the 200km-range Fatach-110 missile. A successful Shihab-3 test in May brings Iran closer to a long-range capability, with missiles potentially equipped with conventional and other warheads. According to an updated Israeli intelligence assess ment, Iran may gain this capability as early as 2004. • Israel Military Industries (IMI) has started testing a 120km-range artillery rocket. Nathan Wechesler, vice-president and director of its rocket systems division, says the weapon has a diameter of "over 300mm |12in]". It is designed to carry 400 bomblets. Recent tests included rockets launched deliberately off-course. These still hit the intended target, says IMI. More test launches are set for the middle of next year. The rocket was developed with partners including Rokar Inter national, an Israeli BAE Systems subsidiary. 18 19-25 NOVEMBER 2002 FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL www.flightinternational.com
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