Boeing News
Business Jets today delivered its 100th "green" -- unfurnished -- airplane. Representatives of the government of India accepted the milestone airplane at the Boeing Delivery Center in Seattle.
"One hundred business jets delivered in 10 years is an amazing testament to the BBJ's wide market appeal and the great work of the Boeing team members who design, sell, build and support these airplanes," said Steven Hill, president of Boeing Business Jets.
Boeing delivers VIP airplanes in so-called "green" condition, meaning the airplane does not have interior furnishings or exterior paint. Customers then work with designers and interior completion centers to install an interior that exactly matches the owner's preferences and needs.
About 35 percent of BBJs ordered are for government heads of state and are typically designed to seat between 25 to 50 passengers. The Indian Government BBJ will be completed at PATS Aircraft completion center in Delaware, a wholly owned subsidiary of DeCrane Aircraft. PATS Aircraft will install an interior that includes a stateroom, meeting room, communications center and seating for 48 passengers. The jet is the first of three on order. The BBJs will replace the government's existing fleet of 737-200s.
"The Boeing Company is honored that the Government of India has utilized the 737 Boeing Business Jet for the transportation of VVIPs and heads of state," said Dinesh Keskar, Boeing Commercial Airplanes' vice president of Sales. "The delivery of this airplane will continue to build upon our long-term partnership and we are extremely pleased that the BBJ will be a part of that great future."
Boeing [NYSE: BA] today delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) its first C-17 Globemaster III during a ceremony at the company's Long Beach, Calif., C-17 manufacturing facility. Senior RAAF officials joined more than 1,000 C-17 employees for the delivery celebration.
"I am very pleased our team was able to provide world-class airlift capability to our customer in record time," said Dave Bowman, C-17 program vice president. "This is a great day for Boeing and demonstrates our commitment to design, build, deliver and support the world's greatest airlifter."
Air Vice-Marshal John Quaife, Air Commander Australia for the RAAF also noted the speed and ease of the acquisition and Boeing's role in supporting the plane's successful introduction to Australia. "We are very pleased to acquire this new, Responsive Global Airlift capability in Australia," Quaife said. "The C-17s will dramatically increase our ability to support worldwide operations of the Australian Defence Force as well as humanitarian relief in the Asia Pacific region."
The newly delivered aircraft features the "Block 17" configuration -- the most modern variant of C-17s built by Boeing, with upgraded software and avionics. The RAAF C-17 also has unique markings, differentiating it from U.S. Air Force C-17s. A black stallion on the C-17's tail identifies the airplane as part of the RAAF's No. 36 Squadron, an airlift unit that will be based in Amberley, west of Brisbane. A kangaroo on the aircraft's fuselage is part of the RAAF roundel, a distinctive emblem painted on military aircraft to indicate its nation of origin.
The Australian aircraft is the first international C-17 delivery since the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force received its fourth C-17 in August 2001. After a Dec. 4 welcome ceremony in Canberra, Australia's capital city, the RAAF's first C-17 will arrive at RAAF Base Amberley on Dec. 6.
The second Australian C-17 is scheduled for delivery in 2007, and the final two aircraft will be delivered in 2008.
The C-17 is the world's only tactical airlift aircraft with strategic capabilities. Capable of flying between continents and landing on short, austere runways, the C-17 is used worldwide for both military and humanitarian missions.
The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced the signing of a $1.59 billion contract to provide four 737 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems for the Republic of Korea's EX program.
The Boeing team's solution also includes ground support segments for flight and mission crew training, mission support and aircraft and system modification support.
Delivery of the first 737 AEW&C aircraft is scheduled for 2011. The remaining three aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2012.
"The 737 AEW&C system gives the Republic of Korea a powerful capability for airborne surveillance, communications and battle management. It also provides increased security for the Korean peninsula against today's threats and those in the future," said Jim Albaugh, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems.
Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems will provide a Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar, the critical sensor on board the 737 AEW&C. The MESA array is designed to provide optimal performance in range, tracking and accuracy. It is able to track airborne and maritime targets simultaneously and can help the mission crew direct fighter aircraft while continuously scanning the operational area.
Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) will perform aircraft modification and mission equipment modification and checkout. Modification of the first aircraft will occur at a Boeing facility. KAI will modify the remaining aircraft in Sachon, Korea.
Boeing has sold 10 737 AEW&C aircraft to date: six for Australia's Project Wedgetail and four for Turkey's Peace Eagle program.
The first Wedgetail aircraft successfully completed an aircraft performance and flight handling test program in 2005. Additionally, airborne radar testing is under way on the second Wedgetail at Boeing facilities in Seattle. Wedgetail aircraft numbers 3 and 4 are undergoing modifications at a Boeing Australia facility in Amberley.
Turkey's first Peace Eagle aircraft is undergoing modifications at Boeing facilities in Seattle, while TUSAS Aerospace Industries is modifying Peace Eagle aircraft numbers 2 and 3 in Ankara, Turkey.
737 AEW&C is the right-sized solution to meet the requirements of the Republic of Korea and features state-of-the art avionics, navigation equipment and flight deck features. There also is a worldwide base of suppliers, parts and support equipment. The aircraft has significant growth capability in terms of power, cooling, weight and space, allowing it to incorporate emerging technologies.
Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced the completion of a major mission system production upgrade for the first NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft under the $1.32 billion Mid-Term Modernisation Programme.
Boeing delivered the aircraft to NATO during a ceremony at the European Aeronautic Defence and Space (EADS) facility in Manching, Germany. EADS, as an industry partner and subcontractor to Boeing, completed the modification on schedule.
The entire fleet of 17 AWACS aircraft, based in Geilenkirchen, Germany, is on track to be upgraded in 2008. Boeing also is modifying two NATO AWACS mission simulators into the Mid-Term configuration.
"Achieving this milestone represents the culmination of a true international effort by many talented people from across North America and Europe, including NATO, the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Programme Management Agency, Force Command, the U.S Air Force and more than 15 key subcontractors from 12 nations," said Lee Strom, Boeing NATO AWACS Mid-Term Programme production and retrofit program manager.
"This has been, and will continue to be, a prime example of how great companies and their customers can work together on a global scale to field a world-class product," he continued. "NATO AWACS is now the premier airborne surveillance aircraft."
The enhancements provide a superior view of the battlespace by integrating data from various AWACS sensors, as well as from other sources, and an increased capacity in the number of targets it can manage.
This highly capable mission system provides NATO AWACS aircraft with the ability to receive mission orders from remote locations and updates via satellite data links and electronically integrate them via the mission computing system.
The system offers increased interoperability with other AWACS platforms as well as with fighter aircraft, ground stations, ships and satellites.
The enhancements include:
- New situation display consoles with flat-panel displays offering a Windows-like environment;
- A mission computing system with an open architecture allowing cost-effective future upgrades to the hardware and software;
- Multi-sensor integration that improves the reliability and accuracy of target tracks and identification and eases operator workload;
- Digital communications systems to improve crew access and use of radio links including improved over-the-horizon communication via satellite links;
- Broad-spectrum VHF radios that will support increased operations with Eastern European nations' air and ground forces. An improved identification friend or foe system compatible with emerging international air traffic control systems requirements; and
- Upgraded aircraft navigation that takes advantage of the new Global Positioning System.
Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Army have signed a $151.9 million contract for 11 new AH-64D Apache Longbow multi-role combat helicopters. Funding for the new-build aircraft is part of the President's fiscal year 2006 Supplemental Budget.
The new aircraft, to be built in the Lot 11, Block II configuration, are in addition to the 16 new AH-64D Apache Longbows already under contract and to the AH-64A Apaches being remanufactured under a multi-year contract with the Army. Boeing will begin assembly in 2008 at its manufacturing facility in Mesa, Ariz., where Apaches have been built since the program's inception.
"A dedicated team representing government and industry worked together on this contract to ensure that the Army meets its aircraft loss replenishment objectives and that the warfighters have the resources they need to ensure mission success," said David Almond, Block II Apache program manager. "The team knows the importance of delivering quality products, on time, to meet the demands of the battlefield commanders and soldiers."
Apache Longbow helicopters are used extensively in the desert and in other extremely harsh environments. The helicopter features fully integrated avionics and weapons, plus a state-of-the-art modem that can transmit real-time, secure digitized battlefield information to air and ground forces. It can rapidly detect, classify, prioritize and engage stationary and moving opposition targets at standoff ranges in nearly all weather environments.
The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] this week began assembling the wings for the U.S. Air Force's 100th F-22 Raptor at the company's Developmental Center in Seattle.
"I'm proud of this team's perseverance in applying Lean Enterprise principles to the Raptor manufacturing process," said Paul Bay, Boeing vice president and F-22 program manager. "Since delivering the first set in November 1996, we've reduced the time it takes to build a set of wings by more than 45,000 man-hours and cut cycle time by 70 percent."
Boeing manufacturing engineers streamlined production in late 1999 when they developed new tooling that utilizes a built-in overhead handling system. The new tool also improved wing quality, allowing more rapid and even application of pressure as the upper and lower wing skins are matched to the substructure. This reduced variability and ensured a better overall fit.
During assembly, a caulk-like substance is applied to the skin and pressure is exerted to fill in any gaps between the skin and substructure. With the new tool, air bags inflate and apply uniform pressure, eliminating the need for 400 temporary fasteners.
Designed entirely with a computer-aided design application, the wings are made primarily of titanium and graphite composites. They are capable of withstanding supersonic speeds for extended periods of time and extremely "high-g" maneuvers. Each Raptor wing measures approximately 16 feet (side of fuselage) by 18 feet (leading edge) and weighs about 2,000 pounds.
The wing set is scheduled for delivery in December to teammate and prime contractor Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT], which recently delivered the 81st F-22 to the Air Force, with 26 additional Raptors currently on contract. The fighter is assigned to four U. S. bases: Testing is conducted at Edwards Air Force Base (AFB), Calif.; tactics development takes place at Nellis AFB, Nev.; pilots and maintenance teams receive training at Tyndall AFB, Fla.; and operational F-22s of the 1st Fighter Wing are assigned to Langley AFB, Va.
The F-22 Raptor is built by Lockheed Martin in partnership with Boeing and Pratt & Whitney. In addition to the wings, Boeing supplies the aft fuselage, integrates and tests the advanced avionics and has responsibility for the pilot and maintenance training systems. Parts and subsystems are provided by approximately 1,000 suppliers in 42 states. F-22 production takes place at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics facilities in Palmdale, Calif.; Meridian, Miss.; Marietta, Ga.; and Fort Worth, Texas, as well as Boeing's Seattle plant. Final assembly and initial flight-testing of the Raptor occur at the Marietta facilities.
A Boeing [NYSE: BA] Delta II launch vehicle today successfully delivered to orbit a replenishment Block IIR Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite for the U.S. Air Force.
The Delta II rocket carrying the GPS IIR-16 (M) satellite lifted off from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 2:12 p.m. Eastern time, deploying the satellite to a transfer orbit 68 minutes later.
The Delta II, known as the workhorse of the launch industry in its payload class, has launched all of the GPS IIR satellites. The launch also marked the second GPS mission aboard a Boeing Delta II in less than two months. GPS IIR-15 lifted off from Cape Canaveral on Sept. 25.
"Our Delta team understands the importance GPS satellites play in protecting our military and helping them defend our country," said Dan Collins, vice president and general manager, Boeing Launch Systems. "The Delta II vehicle has a strong record of performance, and I am proud of the team's commitment to mission success and our role in sustaining the GPS constellation."
The Boeing Delta II 7925-9.5 configuration vehicle used for today's mission featured a Boeing first stage booster powered by a Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and nine Alliant Techsystems (ATK) solid rocket boosters. An Aerojet AJ10-118K engine powered the storable propellant restartable second stage. A Thiokol Star-48B solid rocket motor propelled the third stage prior to spacecraft deployment. The rocket also flew with a nine-and-a-half-foot diameter Boeing payload fairing
A redundant inertial flight control assembly built by L3 Communications Space & Navigation provided guidance and control for the rocket, enabling a precise deployment of the satellite.
GPS IIR-16 (M) is the third of the modernized GPS satellites that feature greater accuracy, increased resistance to interference and enhanced performance for users.
The GPS network supports U.S. military operations conducted from aircraft, ships, land vehicles and by ground personnel. Additional uses include mapping, aerial refueling and rendezvous, geodetic surveys, and search and rescue operations.
GPS provides military and civilian users 3-D position location data in longitude, latitude and elevation as well as precise time and velocity. The satellites orbit the Earth every 12 hours, emitting continuous navigation signals. The signals are so accurate, time can be figured to within one millionth of a second, velocity within a fraction of a mile-per-second and location to within 100 feet.
The Boeing Company's [NYSE: BA] Training System and Services division received the 2006 Frost & Sullivan Award for Customer Value Enhancement in the North American Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) Market at a Nov. 15 Frost & Sullivan best practices award ceremony in San Antonio, Texas.
"Boeing has played an instrumental role in fostering the Distributed Mission Operations market through our focused technology investments and by building strong customer relationships," said Steve Swaine, Boeing director of Fixed Wing Training Systems. "It is a great honor to be independently recognized for our efforts."
Distributed Mission Operations allow pilots in flight simulators at one location to train with pilots several thousand miles away, offering a safe and cost-effective instruction environment.
Boeing has delivered and currently operates F-15C DMO Mission Training Centers (MTCs) at Eglin, Langley, Elmendorf and Kadena Air Force bases and at Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath in the United Kingdom. Also, as the prime contractor for the F-15E MTC contract for the U.S. Air Force, Boeing is responsible for the design, development, construction and integration of MTCs at Mountain Home, Elmendorf and Seymour Johnson Air Force bases and at RAF Lakenheath, with first deliveries expected in early 2007. A provider of major components for the U.S. Air Force's F-16 MTCs, Boeing also delivers DMO-capable systems for the Royal Saudi and Finnish air forces, and builds similar DMO components for the Apache Longbow aircrew trainers for the United Kingdom.
"Military flight simulation and training is one of Boeing's strengths, and it leverages its position as the creator of the F-15 to deliver both simulation and training solutions in conjunction with platform modifications or modernization," said Frost & Sullivan research analyst Garrick Ngai.
The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced the appointment of David Withers as managing director of Boeing Australia Limited. Withers will move into his new role immediately, replacing David Gray, who has announced he will retire effective Dec. 31, and will work to ensure a smooth transition.
Withers will be responsible for leading what has become one of the leading aerospace companies in Australia, employing 2,200 people across 14 sites.
"Boeing Australia Limited continues to play an important role in Boeing's globalization efforts," said Torbjorn Sjogren, vice president of International Support Systems for Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. "David Withers is uniquely qualified to lead this organization. He has the customer focus, vision and leadership attributes to guide the organization in pursuit of new levels of productivity and growth."
Withers joined Boeing earlier this year from Smiths Aerospace, where he was managing director of its Asia Pacific businesses. Prior to joining Smiths Aerospace, Withers worked for Qantas as a senior avionics engineer for the airline's 737 and A300 fleets. An instrument rated commercial pilot, Withers has an MBA from La Trobe University and a degree in engineering from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.
Withers succeeds Gray, who served as the managing director since 1995.
"We thank David Gray for his contributions and years of service to our company," said Sjogren. "We wish him all the very best."
Boeing [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a $108 million contract to deliver Radar System Improvement Program (RSIP) kits to Japan's fleet of four E-767 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft.
The Foreign Military Sale was contracted through the Electronic Systems Center at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass. The sale also includes spare and repair parts, support equipment and technical documentation. Installation of the kits will occur during a follow-on contract.
"RSIP increases the AWACS aircraft's radar sensitivity, allowing it to detect and track smaller targets. It also improves the radar's existing computer with a new high-reliability multi-processor and rewrites the software to facilitate future maintenance and enhancements," said Anthony Williams, Boeing Japan AWACS program manager.
The RSIP kit, built principally by Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, Baltimore, Md., under a subcontract to Boeing, consists of a new radar computer, a radar control maintenance panel as well as software upgrades to the radar and mission system programs.
RSIP kits have been installed on the U.S., United Kingdom, NATO and French AWACS fleets.
Boeing delivered the four E-767 AWACS to Japan between 1998 and 1999. They have been in service since 2000.
AWACS fills the needs for both airborne surveillance and command control functions for tactical and air defense forces. Substantial growth capacity inherent in the E-767 AWACS ensures that system can be readily adapted to meet future missions and requirements.
Boeing [NYSE: BA] and its ScanEagle unmanned aerial system (UAS) team member Insitu, Inc., have achieved two program milestones.
First, the team recently logged the longest continuous flight of its UAS by flying a preproduction prototype Block D ScanEagle for 22 hours and eight minutes at the Boeing test range in Boardman, Ore. The team flew the test vehicle in a simulated mission profile, completing the flight with a fuel reserve.
The Block D configuration incorporates new enhancements such as a higher resolution infrared camera; an inertially-stabilized camera turret to maintain stable imaging; a custom, ultra-light Mode C transponder to deconflict airspace with other air traffic; a new video transmitter system; rover interoperability for mobile operators; in-flight fuel measurement systems, and other reliability and modularity improvements.
"These improvements are being introduced to meet warfighter requirements," said Margaret A. (Peggy) Holly, Boeing ScanEagle program manager.
Second, the ScanEagle team has logged more than 20,000 combat flight hours to date supporting U.S. Marine ground force missions in Iraq.
Since August 2004, ScanEagle has provided real-time imagery to support persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions for the Marines.
"Our feedback from the Marines during the past two and one-half years of operation has been very positive. The ScanEagle UAS is now an integrated element in their daily operations," said Roger Carleton, director, Boeing Advanced Unmanned Systems.
ScanEagle, a product of Boeing Advanced Systems' Advanced Precision Engagement and Mobility Systems in a joint effort with Insitu, was developed as a low-cost, long-endurance UAS to provide persistent ISR as well as flexible, rapid deployment for a variety of government and civilian applications.
The vehicle is mounted with either an electro-optical or infrared camera onboard. The camera's turret allows the operator to track stationary or moving targets without having to re-maneuver the UAS itself. ScanEagle is capable of flying low- and high-altitude (above 16,000 feet) stealth missions as well as operating in adverse weather conditions such as high winds and heavy rain.
The UAS is launched autonomously via a pneumatic wedge catapult launcher and flies pre-programmed or operator-initiated missions guided by GPS and an onboard flight control system. It is retrieved using Insitu's patented SkyHook™ system that uses a rope hanging from a 50-foot high pole to catch the UAS.
ScanEagle's portability enables it to be launched, operated and retrieved from close-support locations, mobile vehicles and small ships.
In addition to supporting the Marine Corps, ScanEagle is in service with the U.S. Navy performing ship-based operations.
Boeing [NYSE: BA] has completed a successful Delta Preliminary Design Review of its Airborne Maritime/Fixed Station Joint Tactical Radio System (AMF JTRS) program.
The review, attended by more than 100 industry and government officials, took place in Anaheim, Calif., in mid-October.
The review measured the program's progress on development specifications, system design, architecture, key component technologies and risk reduction. The results confirmed that Boeing has met the government's updated requirements and is ready to proceed to the System Design and Development phase of the program.
"Our solution resolves key risk reduction issues and advances the system design and architecture requirements," said Leo Conboy, Boeing AMF JTRS program manager. "We've paved the way forward with a tremendous amount of technical progress."
Boeing's AMF JTRS team displayed mockups of their hardware design and demonstrated prototype radios running both legacy voice communications and the Wideband Networking Waveform (WNW), which enables Internet-like capabilities. Demonstrations ranged from design and development to manufacturing capacity and planning, supply chain management and Interactive Electronic Technical Manual capabilities.
The team provided a multi-node networking demonstration using virtual and hardware-based radios. The lab-based demonstrations also featured the WNW and Boeing's Heterogeneous Networking capability with legacy and low latency edge networking using Rockwell's Tactical Targeting Networking Technologies.
Boeing and its best-of-industry teammates -- BBN Technologies, Harris, L-3 Communications, Milcom Systems Corporation, Northrop Grumman and Rockwell Collins -- have supported the pre-system development and demonstration phase since 2004. The U.S. Air Force is expected to award the design and development phase contract in early 2007.
Boeing's AMF JTRS communications system will provide secure, software-defined radios that feature Internet-like capabilities, allowing warfighters to communicate with one another in a network-centric environment in the air, on land and at sea. The system will bring secure networking to the battlespace, including the transmission and receipt of real-time text and voice information, as well as the ability to stream live audio and video, share maps, conduct networked meetings and use Voice over Internet Protocol.
The Boeing [NYSE: BA] Family of Advanced Beyond-line-of-sight Terminals (FAB-T) program has successfully completed a Preliminary Design Review, a key milestone as the program moves forward.
Attended by more than 150 Boeing, senior government and industry officials, the review, held in Anaheim, Calif., in September, demonstrated that Boeing and its industry team have successfully incorporated schedule and requirement changes that are part of the program's new baseline. The four-day review included presentations from systems, software and hardware teams.
"We're on track to execute this program," said Jim Dodd, Boeing FAB-T program manager.
The FAB-T family includes software-defined radios, antennas and associated user interface hardware that will provide the government with a powerful system capable of hosting a multitude of waveforms that accommodate data rates in excess of 300 megabytes per second. Once operational, FAB-T will provide critical, secure beyond line-of-sight communications capability for warfighters via various satellites that support military forces.
FAB-T also is the first survivable Software Communications Architecture (SCA)-compliant communications system. SCA compliance enables waveforms developed on the FAB-T program to be ported to other SCA-compliant radios and FAB-T to host waveforms provided by other parties. The benefits to the government of an SCA-compliant terminal result from savings associated with the elimination of new hardware and software development costs previously incurred to support new applications and requisite waveforms.
FAB-T is designed to provide strategic forces with a multi-mission capable family of software-defined radios that use a common open system architecture to link to different satellites and enable information exchange between ground, air and space platforms. The initial development phase involves creating a FAB-T system that will fulfill operational terminal requirements for the Milstar and Advanced EHF satellite systems. Increment 2 will develop terminals to support Wideband Gapfiller System operations on surveillance aircraft including Global Hawk and Predator, with other platforms to follow.
The first Boeing [NYSE: BA] C-17 Globemaster III for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has rolled out of the company's paint hangar in Long Beach, Calif., and has begun preparations for its first flight, scheduled for later this month.
"The C-17 will give Australia a new global airlift capability, significantly enhancing our ability to support national and international operations, and major disaster rescue and relief efforts," said Australia's Acting Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal John Blackburn. "All of Australia is looking forward to delivery of this new capability and seeing it quickly commence operation. The C-17 will meet the vital airlift needs of the Australian Defence Force over the next 30 years."
Other than the aircraft's unique Australian markings, the new C-17 is identical to the U.S. Air Force C-17s that Boeing is now manufacturing. The black stallion on the C-17's tail identifies the airplane as part of the RAAF's No. 36 Squadron, an airlift unit that will be based in Amberley, west of Brisbane. The kangaroo on the aircraft's fuselage is part of the RAAF roundel, a distinctive emblem painted on military aircraft to indicate its nation of origin.
"It's very exciting to see Australia's first C-17 become a reality so quickly," said Dave Bowman, Boeing vice president and C-17 program manager. "Less than five months ago, Australia signed a Letter of Agreement with the U.S. government to acquire four C-17s, and we're on track to deliver the first one on Nov. 28. We are providing Australia a world-class capability in world-record time."
The Australian C-17s will be "Block 17" aircraft, the most advanced variant in the worldwide C-17 fleet, which now includes 157 U.S. Air Force and four U.K. Royal Air Force (RAF) C-17s. The new Block 17 capabilities feature upgrades to the aircraft's combat lighting, formation flying capability and flight control software.
The Australian aircraft will be the first international C-17 delivery since the RAF received its fourth C-17 in August 2001. After a welcome ceremony in Canberra, Australia's capitol city, the RAAF's first C-17 will arrive at RAAF Base Amberley in early December.
The second Australian C-17 is scheduled for delivery in 2007, and the final two aircraft will be delivered in 2008.
Used for both military and humanitarian missions, the C-17 is the world's only tactical airlift aircraft with strategic capabilities. Boeing is designing, building and delivering 180 U.S. Air Force C-17s on a multi-year contract that runs through 2008. The 10 new C-17s funded in the fiscal year 2007 U.S. defense bill, along with recently announced international C-17 orders and commitments, likely have extended the C-17 production line through the end of 2009.
The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has flown its newly designed A/MH-6X light-turbine helicopter for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the continuing development of the versatile manned/unmanned military aircraft.
The aircraft combines the proven performance of the A/MH-6M Mission Enhanced Little Bird (MELB) with the unmanned aerial vehicle technologies of the Unmanned Little Bird (ULB) Demonstrator, a modified MD 530F civil helicopter that has been in development since 2004.
"The A/MH-6X is the first true hybrid manned/unmanned aircraft, adding another mission capability to the combat-proven, multi-mission MELB helicopter," said Dino Cerchie, Boeing Advanced Rotorcraft Systems Unmanned Little Bird program manager. "The A/MH-6X Little Bird offers exciting new possibilities for an already outstanding platform."
The A/MH-6X lifted off Sept. 20 at the Boeing Rotorcraft Systems facility in Mesa, Ariz., and flew as a piloted aircraft for approximately 14 minutes before landing safely.
Following the flight, Boeing test pilot Todd Brown reported, "The aircraft flew great. It is very responsive and delivers outstanding performance."
Future testing will expand the manned and unmanned envelopes. Aircraft performance will be similar to the ULB Demonstrator with an additional 1,000 pounds of payload that can be used for increased range, endurance or mission hardware. Total payload for the ULB Demonstrator is greater than 2,400 pounds.
Boeing designed and developed the derivative helicopter for both military and civilian applications, including Homeland Defense. The helicopter's external appearance and mechanical systems are similar to the operational A/MH-6M helicopter flown by the U.S. Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.
Boeing made the most significant modifications to the cockpit avionics and electrical systems. The A/MH-6X aircraft has a prototype "glass" cockpit that provides system redundancy and additional technologies in digital maps and data fusion. It also has many network-centric features like Ku-band communication, digital radios, Internet Protocol-addressable aircraft systems and on-board, high bandwidth data processing and storage.
"The unmanned hardware and capability developed in this program can be installed in any helicopter," said Cerchie. "The A/MH-6X Little Bird aircraft provides exceptional performance, capability and reliability for manned or unmanned missions in a compact, highly transportable aircraft that can leverage many existing qualified aircraft systems.
"The demonstrator, which first flew just over two years ago, has logged nearly 500 manned and unmanned flight hours," he added. "The first flight of this much more capable A/MH-6X was a logical extension of an outstanding developmental program. The team has made it look easy, but it has taken a lot of hard work by some very dedicated folks."
Boeing is preparing the manned/unmanned aircraft variant for domestic and international markets.
"The desire and need for an all-purpose compact workhorse is there, whether it's manned or unmanned," Cerchie added. "This aircraft is the low cost solution for urban or confined operational areas, where full mission capability and connectivity are required."
Boeing's [NYSE: BA] Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) weapon system scored a direct hit against a moving, remotely-controlled land target during a recent flight test at the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center, China Lake, Calif.
The test occurred on Sept. 13 as part of the U.S. Navy's SLAM-ER developmental/operational flight test program. The launch followed a successful developmental test flight on June 1 that used simulated command and control aircraft targeting data to engage a remotely-controlled Shahab 3 missile launcher mock-up.
"SLAM-ER now has the flexibility to engage both fixed and moving land targets," said Boeing Naval Weapons Director Jan Browne. "This demonstrated capability greatly enhances the Navy's ability to engage high-interest mobile targets in today's varied threat environment."
For the test, a Littoral Surveillance Radar System-equipped aircraft sent real-time targeting data to the Boeing-built F/A-18 aircraft, which relayed the data to the SLAM-ER after the weapon's launch. The SLAM-ER acquired and impacted a simulated SA-10 missile launcher in a desert environment. A follow-on test will launch the SLAM-ER against a simulated SA-3 missile launcher that will maneuver and change speeds like an operational target.
SLAM-ER is a highly adaptable day/night, all-weather, over-the-horizon precision strike missile capable of hitting stationary or moving targets on land or at sea. The Navy recognizes SLAM-ER as the most accurate weapon in its inventory.
The Navy will complete its operational testing of SLAM-ER's moving target capability later this year
The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA) celebrated the delivery of the airline's newest Boeing 747-400 Freighter and the first delivery during the carrier's new management plan, the "Phoenix Project."
The new airplane departed Paine Field in Everett today to join the all-747 NCA fleet, the first to do so since the Phoenix Project introduction earlier this year. The delivery was also the first for Boeing's newly remodeled Everett Delivery Center.
The new airplane is NCA's third 747-400 Freighter, and brings the airline's freighter fleet to 12 airplanes, including seven 747-200s and two 747-100s, with seven 747-400 Freighters remaining on order. NCA is also a launch customer for Boeing's new 747-8 Freighter, currently in development and scheduled for entry into service in 2009, with an order for eight airplanes.
The Boeing 747 Freighter family is the standard of the air cargo industry, providing more than half of the world's freighter fleet capacity.
The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has proven in a weapons integration laboratory for the first time that small-diameter bombs (SDB) can successfully be placed on a strategic rotary launcher in the bomb bay of a B-52 bomber.
Scot Oathout, Boeing program director for the B-52, said the lab development -- called a fit check of the weapons -- is a significant step in helping to increase the conventional payload of the B-52 by up to 100 percent with the potential for more with further upgrades.
"The engineering effort supports development of future 'Smart Bay' weapons for the B-52," Oathout said. "The bomb bay is under-utilized space today, and we want to use that asset. We believe that adding smart conventional weapons bay carriage provides the warfighter with a much more versatile aircraft that can support our nation's defense for years to come."
Oathout said that the Boeing engineering team performed a test that proved the B-52 can carry 32 SDBs on the Common Strategic Rotary Launcher in the bomb bay of the B-52.
Boeing engineers, Oathout said, have used company research and development time and funds to design a method to carry the SDBs in the bomb bay. The common strategic rotary launcher in the B-52 can now only hold Cold War-era nuclear weapons and converted conventional air-launched cruise missiles.
"This is an aircraft that will be supporting our warfighters for the next 40 years," he said. "The B-52 is already doing close air support. With the ability to add conventional smart bombs in the bay, just imagine the weapons and the increase of weapons to support national security missions."
The Boeing B-52 program, which is based in at Boeing's Wichita, Kans., facility, is a part of Support Systems, a business unit of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems.
