Boeing

The fourth modified Boeing 767 aircraft was delivered to the Japan Defense Agency during a ceremony at Paine Field in Everett, Wash., completing the direct commercial sale phase of the Japan 767 AWACS program.

The aircraft then was transferred back through the U.S. Air Force to Boeing. During the second phase of the program, Boeing will complete mission system installation and FAA certification prior to final delivery of the aircraft. AWACS mission system equipment is obtained through a foreign military sale contract between Boeing and the Air Force. Jack Sperry, Boeing 767 AWACS program manager, said the delivery continues a program history of quality on-time deliveries. "This program's success has been achieved through close teamwork between Boeing, Japanese industry, the U.S. Air Force and the Japanese government," Sperry said. AWACS is the world's standard for Airborne Early Warning (AEW) systems. Currently carried on-board militarized 707 aircraft, it fills the need of both airborne surveillance, and command, control and communications functions for tactical and air defense forces. Production of the 707 airframe ended in 1991, with the 767 platform chosen as its replacement.

The 767 AWACS offers countries self-defense capability well beyond the range of current ground-based systems.

Boeing is on contract to build four 767 AWACS for Japan. The first two will be delivered in March 1998, the second two in 1999.