The US Navy's Boeing 737-800ERX-based Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) passed a crucial hurdle on the way through its development and demonstration phase on 30 September, when the programme completed a full systems requirements review.
The milestone establishes the foundation for the $3.9 billion MMA programme by providing a detailed review of the technical specifications, statement of work and contract schedule. This ultimately calls for a four-year development phase, followed by a build-up to initial operational capability in 2012.
Boeing was awarded the MMA contract in June, and is expected to build at least 108 aircraft to replace the USN's Lockheed Martin P-3C Orion long-range maritime patrol aircraft.
Source: Flight International
