737/CT-43 & SURVEILLER
The USAF has been using the CT-43A for navigation training since 1973. This derivative of the Boeing 737-200 airliner accommodates up to 12 students, four advanced students and three instructors.
Indonesia is the sole customer for the 737 Surveiller. This variant incorporates Motorola sideways-looking radar for maritime detection.
Customers: USAF (CT-43): 19, Indonesia (737 Surveiller): 3
B-52 STRATOFORTRESS
B-56Gs have been withdrawn from service, leaving the B-52H as the last Stratofortress in USAF service. A conventional-weapons up-grade is under way and ten B-52Hs equipped with a near-term precision-guided weapons capability, with the AGM-142 Have Nap stand-off missile. Some B-52s are equipped to fire the anti-ship Harpoon.
E-3 SENTRY
USAF and NATO E-3s are being updated to improve the Westinghouse APY-2 radar, mission computer, operator consoles, communications and navigation systems, and to add ESM equipment. DASA is updating NATO E-3s with colour displays, secure UHF communications and JTIDS datalink terminals.
E-6 MERCURY
USN Boeing E-6 submarine-communications aircraft are being modified by Chrysler Technologies Airborne Systems. Under the avionics block-upgrade programme. The Boeing 707-based E-6s are being equipped with Milstar satellite-communications and other improvements. The prototype was rolled out in June 1994. E-6s are to take over the Looking Glass mission performed by the USAF KC-135s. Customer: USA 16.
KC-135 STRATOTANKER
Re-engineing of USAF KC-135A tankers with CFM56 turbofans continues towards an eventual target of 400 aircraft. The KC-135R re-engineing programme began in 1983. KC-135Rs are expected to remain in service until 2020.
Boeing has also received a USAF contract to equip up to 96 KC-135s with the wing-mounted pods to allow refuelling of USN and NATO aircraft. Turkey has been offered ten ex-USAF KC-135s which would be re-engined with CFM56s.
747
The 747 is also the chosen platform for an airborne high-energy laser being studied by Boeing- and Rockwell-led teams to counter theatre-ballistic missiles. The 747 is already in USAF service as the VC-25A Presidential transport (two 747-200s) and E-4B airborne command-post (four 747-200s). The Japan Air Self-Defence Force operates two 747-400s as VIP transports.
767 AWACS
Japan is the launch customer for Boeing's 767-based follow-on to the E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system (AWACS), with an order for four aircraft, to be designated E-767s. Delivery of the first two aircraft is scheduled for January 1998.
The first aircraft with the rotodome was flown in August 1996. The 767 will be equipped with the upgraded mission system under development for the E-3, including the Westinghouse APY-2 radar with rotodome-mounted antenna. The aircraft will carry a mission crew of 18, plus two flightdeck crew.
Other potential customers for the 767 AWACs include Saudi Arabia.
Source: Flight International
