Boeing has offered the Israeli air force the potential to equip its fleet of Boeing 707 in-flight refuelling aircraft with a new "high-speed" boom.

Israel Aerospace Industries is converting a recently-acquired 707 for use as a tanker, with the aircraft due to be delivered to the air force in mid-2012. The service opted to convert the asset while the US Air Force was struggling to complete the selection process for its KC-X fleet of Boeing 767-based KC-46As.

In the last several years, Israel's 707 "Reem" fleet has been equipped with a new glass cockpit as part of a life-extension programme for the type. The work included the installation of a new Honeywell cockpit with six multi-function displays, replacement communication equipment and a global air traffic management system.

Source: Flight International