Paul Lewis/WASHINGTON DC
Boeing has unveiled a proposed multi-mission maritime aircraft (MMMA) development of the 737 Next Generation airliner before an expected US Navy contract to study replacement of the Lockheed P-3/EP-3 Orion.
The MMMA 737 leverages the investment made in the Boeing Business Jet and the C-40A convertible/combi ordered by the navy. The MMMA, revealed at the Navy League Sea-Air-Space 2000 exposition in Washington DC on 18-20 April, would combine the 737-700 fuselage with the -800's wing, offering an increased 77,635kg (171,000lb) maximum take-off weight.
Boeing claims that, with the addition of up to five auxiliary fuel tanks in the aft hold, the aircraft's time on station would be comparable to the P-3, but with a 100kt (185km/h) faster transit speed. The 737 would have a radius of action of up to 3,700km (2,000nm) and be capable of low-altitude loiter at 220kt, or 10kt above that of the P-3.
Range could be extended with the provision of an in-flight refuelling receptacle being developed for Australia's 737-based Wedgetail airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. An enlarged redesigned nose has been sized to accommodate a search radar in the class of the Raytheon APS-137 or Thomson-CSF Ocean Master.
Boeing is also studying converting the 737's forward hold into a bomb bay, which would be large enough for torpedoes, mines, Boeing AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship and SLAM ER air-to-surface missiles. In addition, there could be provision for at least four underwing hardpoints inboard and outboard of the jet's CFM56 engines.
The envisaged cabin configuration is modelled on the five mission consoles in the P-3, although there is space for up to another two. The aft cabin could include a rotary sonobuoy launcher.
Other possible modifications could include the AEW&C aircraft's ventral fins for improved stability and an underbelly housing for EP-3 type electronic intelligence sensors.
Boeing expects to be one of several companies to be awarded a five-month MMMA study contract as part of an analysis of alternatives for replacing the P-3.
Source: Flight International
