GRAHAM WARWICK /WASHINGTON DC
Boeing has begun talks with Italy on the 737 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system after finally signing a $1 billion contract with Turkey for four aircraft. The Turkish deal still requires US government approval, with the first 737 AEW&C expected to be delivered 42-48 months after the contract becomes active.
With South Korea having postponed its E-X AEW&C competition, Italy is emerging as the next potential customer and is in preliminary talks with Boeing, says vice-president 737 AEW&C programmes Patrick Gill. Australia has already placed an order.
Although arms sales to Turkey have encountered US opposition in the past, this deal is not expected to hit problems. Technology transfer was addressed during negotiations, with Turkey vocal in its frustration at US export limitations. "What we have signed up to is exactly in compliance with our existing licences, so we hope there will be no surprises," says Gill, adding: "Turkey has ended up with an extremely capable system."
The Turkish contract covers four 737 AEW&Cs, plus options on two more, and a ground segment for crew training, mission support and system maintenance.
Boeing will complete the first aircraft, while Turkish Aerospace Industries will modify the other three in the country. Gill says Turkey will supply and integrate the electronic support measures system as well as communications equipment. Turkish industry will also provide through-life support of the aircraft. "Heavy maintenance will probably be done by a Turkish airline operating the 737-700 and -800," he says, in the same way that Qantas will support Australia's four 737 AEW&Cs.
All four Australian aircraft will be modified in the USA. The first "green" aircraft will roll off the production line in November, Gill says, and will be modified to AEW&C configuration for airworthiness testing in 2003. The first aircraft equipped with the mission system will follow six months later. Deliveries to Australia will begin in 2006, about the same time Turkey is due to receive its first aircraft.
Source: Flight International
