The US government has granted final approval for the sale of four CFM56-7-powered Boeing 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to Turkey.
The engine order is valued at approximately $40 million. The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2006.
CFM56-7 engines are produced by CFM International (CFM), a 50/50 joint company between Snecma Moteurs and General Electric.
" CFM has a long tradition of service on military special-use applications," says Al DiLibero, general manager of CFM Military Programs. "The CFM56-7-powered AEW&C is the next phase. This engine brings the benefits of state-of-the-art commercial engine technology — high reliability, fuel efficiency, ease of maintenance — to one of the most advanced military products on the market today."
The AEW&C, which Turkey has dubbed ‘Peace Eagle', is a derivative of the 737-700 IGW (increased gross weight) aircraft commercially available as the Boeing Business Jet or BBJ. This platform is designed to operate at heavier weights to carry more fuel for greater range. The CFM56-7 engine is rated at 27,300lb (120kN) takeoff thrust for this application. The ‘green' aircraft was certified earlier this year in preparation for installation of radar and other electronic hardware. Flight tests are scheduled for late 2003.
The AEW&C programme was launched by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in 1999 with an order for four aircraft (Project Wedgetail), which will begin delivery in 2006. The CFM56-7 also powers the C-40 for the US Navy. More than 10% of CFM's total engine orders and 20% of the current in-service fleet are military aircraft.
Source: Flight Daily News
