The Boeing [NYSE: BA] 737 Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) program passed a critical milestone on Sept. 30 with the successful completion of an in-depth three-day System Requirements Review (SRR) by the U.S. Navy.
"The hard work of the entire team has allowed us to take one step closer to transforming how maritime patrol and reconnaissance forces will train, operate and deploy in the future," said Tony Parasida, Boeing vice president for maritime systems. The review, which as jointly led by the U.S. Navy and Boeing, ensured the team had properly allocated program requirements at the system level.
The Boeing-led team, which includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman [NYSE: NOC], Raytheon [NYSE: RTN], and Smiths Aerospace [LSE: SMIN.L] will produce five test aircraft during the program's System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase. Plans call for up to 108 aircraft to be purchased by the Navy to replace its aging fleet of P-3 aircraft.
"Boeing and the Navy are following the right principles and practices to ensure successful delivery of this weapon system to the warfighter," said CDR Joe Rixey, MMA Deputy Program Manager. "The minimal action items generated during the SRR bolsters our confidence and readily proves that we're on the right track."
CFM International will provide the CFM56-7 engines that will power the Boeing 737 MMA. Northrop Grumman will provide the electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor, the directional infrared countermeasures system, and the electronic support measures system. Raytheon will provide an upgraded APS-137 Maritime Surveillance Radar and Signals Intelligence solutions. Smiths Aerospace will supply both the Flight Management and Stores Management systems.