Simulated in-flight refuelling trials go well, while Turkey's first AEW&C aircraft rolls out
Boeing is on track to complete a comprehensive series of airworthiness flight tests of Australia's first of six 737-700-based Wedgetail airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft next month, the company says. Launched in May, the test programme has amassed more than 375 flight hours, and recent activities have included simulated in-flight refuelling with US Air Force Boeing KC-135 and McDonnell Douglas KC-10 tankers.
Boeing says the modified 737-700's CFM International CFM56-7 engines have also met performance requirements during the current test series, which included a period of hot-weather operations staged from its Mesa plant in Arizona.
Deliveries of the Royal Australian Air Force's first two aircraft will take place in November 2006, with all of the 737s to be accepted into service by 2008. The six-aircraft acquisition is valued at around $1.2 billion, with Australia still holding an option to acquire a seventh aircraft.
In a further development for Boeing's 737-based AEW&C business, the company earlier this month rolled out its first of at least four 737-700 airframes to be equipped with Northrop Grumman's MESA multi-role electronically scanned array radar for Turkey. Acquired under the "Peace Eagle" programme, Ankara's first aircraft will leave Boeing's Renton manufacturing site in Washington next month for the integration of auxiliary fuel tanks in Delaware, New Jersey. The aircraft will then be delivered to Boeing's Seattle plant in Washington for the installation of its AEW&C mission equipment.
The Turkish air force is to receive its first two AEW&C-configured 737s during 2007, with the remaining two aircraft now on order to follow in 2008. Boeing will modify the first three in Seattle under its current deal, with the remaining platform to be integrated by Turkish Aerospace Industries. Ankara also holds options for a further two aircraft, with these to also undergo modification in Turkey if acquired.
Boeing and Northrop Grumman are also promoting their 737-based AEW&C solution to the South Korean air force. They face competition from a team comprising Gulfstream, Israel Aircraft Industries' Elta subsidiary and L-3 Communications, offering an AEW-configured G550 business jet.
CRAIG HOYLE / LONDON
Source: Flight International
