EVENDALE, OHIO September 22, 2003 The U.S. Government has granted final approval for the sale of four CFM56-7-powered Boeing 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to the Government of Turkey. The engine order is valued at approximately $40 million and 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 (Safran Group) of France and General Electric Company.
"CFM has a long tradition of service on military special use applications," said 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. This platform is designed to operate at heavier weights to carry more fuel for greater range. The CFM56-7 engine is rated at 27,300 pounds 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 program was launched by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in 1999 with an order for four aircraft, which will begin delivery in 2006. The CFM56-7 also powers the C-40 for the U.S. Navy. More than 10 percent of CFM's total engine orders and 20 percent of the current in-service fleet are military aircraft.