737-Based Naval Test Aircraft To Be Delivered In 2009

Boeing tells ANN the company installed two CFM56-7B engines on the US Navy's first P-8A Poseidon June 21 in Renton, WA. The on-schedule assembly comes shortly after the aircraft's wing-to-body mate and "power on" milestones.

Following final functional checks, the Boeing-led Poseidon industry team will conduct initial engine runs. Boeing will deliver the first test aircraft to the Navy in 2009.

Engine installation is the culmination of efforts by Boeing and partner CFM International to leverage Lean practices from commercial industry to maximize efficiency. Boeing Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) and Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) are working together to build the P-8A, a military derivative of the 737-800, on a new final assembly line. The factory's third line takes advantage of the manufacturing processes and performance of the highly reliable Next-Generation 737.

The CFM engines, with 27,300 pounds of thrust, have industry-leading dispatch reliability in excess of 99.99 percent. CFM delivered the engines to Boeing in early May.

The Navy plans to purchase 108 P-8As to replace its fleet of P-3C aircraft. Initial operational capability is slated for 2013. The P-8A will provide increased capability in long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance

FMI: www.boeing.com/ids