Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is offering a converted Boeing 767 aerial refueling tanker fitted with its new fly-by-wire (FBW) boom to fulfill a Polish air force requirement.
The Polish air force operates a fleet of 48 Lockheed Martin F-16C/Ds fighters and needs a boom-equipped tanker to fulfill its obligations to NATO.
Currently Warsaw relies on Boeing C-17s operated by the NATO Strategic Airlift Capability consortium to meet its aerial refuelling needs.
IAI’s offer includes a version of the tanker with a probe and drogue system that is also compatible with the air force’s combined inventory of 67 Russian-built RAC MiG-29 and Sukhoi Su-22 fighters.
IAI is offering the latest version of the aerial tanker in co-operation with Polish defence contractor PGZ.
The Israeli company has recently performed successful test flights on a converted 767-300ER equipped with the new FBW boom.
Based on a conversion of pre-owned 767 passenger aircraft, IAI claims its aircraft offer a lower life-cycle cost than that of a bespoke tanker.
As part of the enhancement process, IAI replaces or upgrades key parts including the aerostructure, wiring and other systems.
New engines, avionics – including a state-of-the-art glass cockpit – and self-protection systems can also be offered, tailored to the customer's specific requirements, says IAI.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
