Boeing has delivered its first 737-based airborne early warning and control system aircraft to local partner Korea Aerospace Industries under Seoul's four-aircraft "Peace Eye" acquisition.
"Modification of aircraft number one, in Seattle, is progressing on plan," says Boeing. "Aircraft two has just been delivered to KAI, where it will similarly be modified into the AEW&C configuration." The programme's other two aircraft will also be modified by the firm, it adds.
"First delivery [to the South Korean air force] is planned for 2011, and the remaining three are scheduled for 2012," says Boeing.
South Korea's Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) says KAI will perform work including equipping the 737s with Northrop Grumman's L-band multi-role electronically scanned array (MESA) radar.
Seoul announced in November 2006 that it had agreed to order four 737-based AEW&C aircraft under the Peace Eye project. The DAPA chose the Boeing design over a rival offering from Israel Aerospace Industries, which was based on the supply of Gulfstream G550 business jets equipped with Elta Systems Phalcon radars.
South Korea is one of three customers for the MESA-equipped 737, with its order having followed selections by Australia and Turkey. The type has yet to enter frontline use with any of the nations.
Source: Flight International
