New cabin installed in second test aircraft as manufacturer steps up work schedule
Boeing has revealed the first definitive views of the installed workstations in the Wedgetail 737-based airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft as it prepares for the start of mission system tests before delivery of the first two aircraft to Australia in November 2006. The new interior is installed in the second test aircraft, YG202, which made its first functional check flight in August.
The aircraft is to fly to South Korea this month for the Seoul International air show along with newly delivered F-15Ks as part of Boeing’s push to compete for Seoul’s long-deferred E-X AEW competition. YG202 will then undergo development, test and evaluation flight tests of the Northrop Grumman MESA multirole electronically scanned array radar, and “concurrently will test the new displays and navigation system performance,” says 737 AEW&C aircraft and integration test manager Jack DeLange. From the start of 2006 “we are aiming to do one radar test flight per week”, he adds.
Radar test data will be sent to Northrop for analysis and to determine any necessary changes in signal processing software. Tests will involve interactive flights with co-operative and non-co-operative targets including Bombardier Learjets and towed spherical radar targets. “Later in 2006 we’ll get into electronic warfare system tests, and in late summer/fall we will run tests on the chaff/flare countermeasures system and air-to-air refuelling behind a KC-10/135,” says DeLange, who expects the test phase to cover around 80 flights.
YG201, the first Wedgetail aircraft, is being fitted with a complete mission system suite for a second round of tests due to take place in the second quarter of 2006. Dubbed CAT-2 tests, the flights will ensure the aircraft flies safely with all the newly installed electronic systems working. CAT-1 tests, completed this year, covered handling and aircraft performance. Early phases of these tests uncovered unacceptable noise and vibration levels on the flightdeck, which have been cured by aerodynamic changes to the chin-mounted electronic-support measures turret.
They also revealed issues with light control forces that were traced to flow interference between the large dorsal-mounted MESA and the elevator feel pressure system port on the vertical stabiliser. A new sensor probe has been relocated to the leading edge of the fin. Boeing aims to iron out potential icing and moisture collection issues in the next test phase.
The first modified airframe Section 46 for the first Australian-converted Wedgetail arrived at RAAF Amberley, Queensland on 3 October. The first of four airframes to be locally converted is expected to arrive in Australia in December. The first AEW 737 for Turkey is to arrive at Boeing for radar modification in November.
GUY NORRIS/LOS ANGELES
Source: Flight International
