Boeing Business Jets hopes to increase its order book through the sale of its BBJ long-range business jet to the US military. The manufacturer is touting for orders for up to four aircraft from the US Air Force, which plans to acquire modified civil aircraft in corporate configuration to carry senior US military commanders.
Boeing says the USAF's Commander in Chief (CINC) Support Aircraft will be a mix of civil airliners like its 737 and smaller "off-the-shelf business jets". It claims its BBJ, which combines the fuselage of the 737-700 with the strengthened wing of the 737-800, satisfies the requirements for the larger aircraft category as it can transport up to 25 passengers and 10 crew.
Up to seven CINC Support Aircraft may be acquired on a sale or lease basis, including three Gulfstream C-37As, to replace its ageing Boeing VC-137s, C-135s and McDonnell Douglas C-9s. Military communication equipment and state-of-the-art avionics will be installed on all aircraft.
Source: Flight International
