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Press Media Wire (Press Release) - Mar 10,2009 -
(PressMediaWire) SEATTLE, March 10, 2009 -- The
Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has delivered an operational flight trainer
(OFT) to Australia for the Project Wedgetail airborne early warning and
control (AEW&C) program. The OFT, which the customer accepted on
Feb. 27, is the first segment of the Wedgetail program to be delivered
to Australia.
The Wedgetail aircraft is a
derivative of the commercial 737-700 and the OFT is based on the proven
technology of the Next-Generation 737 simulator platforms. The
motion-based flight simulator was designed, built and installed by
Thales and managed under a subcontract by Boeing Defence Australia.
The
OFT is customized to account for the unique characteristics of the
Wedgetail AEW&C system, including controls for the communication,
aerial-refueling and Electronic Warfare Self Protection systems.
"Delivering
the OFT is a major step forward in the program because it enables the
training of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) pilots in anticipation of
delivery of the first two Wedgetail aircraft later this year," said
Maureen Dougherty, Boeing vice president, AEW&C Program.
Prior
to delivery, the OFT passed a series of certification tests and was
awarded zero flight time status, the highest level of accreditation
under Australian standards. This accreditation allows experienced
pilots to train using this type of simulator instead of an actual
aircraft.
RAAF pilots have used the OFT since
October 2007 to familiarize themselves with the Wedgetail AEW&C
flight deck and to develop training scenarios.
The simulator was installed at the Wedgetail AEW&C Support Center at RAAF base Williamtown. A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems
is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing
in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the
world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft.
Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32
billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide. ### SOURCE: The Boeing Company |
