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NATO Takes First Look at JT8D-powered Boeing 707 for AWACS Application

EAST HARTFORD, Conn., October 2, 2001 -- Officials from NATO toured a Boeing 707-300 aircraft re-engined with four Pratt & Whitney (P&W) JT8D-219s, as part of their AWACS upgrade evaluation. The visit was in response to a request for information (RFI) issued earlier this year by NAPMA, the executive agency for NATO's 13-nation board of directors.

NAPMA officials at the visit included Col. Reinhard E. Unruh, Chief of Plans, Development and Liaison Branch. Unruh said that NAPMA officials had previously planned to make a trip to Connecticut to gather more information on P&W's RFI response, and were pleased to be able to tour the aircraft at the same time. "It's impressive to see the actual hardware, the re-engined B707," he said. "It demonstrates the feasibility and practicality of a re-engining program, and we appreciate the opportunity to get a first hand look at the Pratt & Whitney solution."

NAPMA plans to present results from the RFI responses to NATO's board of directors in November. If the board decides to move the program forward, the formal request for proposal (RFP) would be issued in 2002.

The aircraft, termed "B707RE" - the RE for re-engined - is beginning a series of airport and air base visits throughout the U.S. and Europe. The tour is expected to demonstrate the advantages of using modern JT8D-219s in place of the aircraft's current 1960-era TF33 and JT3D-7 P&W engines.

"The JT8D-219 provides a significant increase in power and range for the 707 while cutting fuel burn, noise, emissions, operating and maintenance costs," said Jason Chamberlain, Director of Airlift, Surveillance and Tanker Engine Programs for Pratt & Whitney. "It fits neatly into any space where an old TF33 (JT3D) resides, so there is virtually no aircraft modification required with re-engining. Additionally, getting a commercial certification will significantly reduce development costs for 707 re-engining for the military." The airframe is on schedule to receive its FAA supplemental type certificate in late 2002.

Joining P&W in the NATO upgrade program are Seven Q Seven (SQS), EADS-Dornier, Goodrich Aerospace, and the NORDAM Group.

P&W and SQS are also responding to Northrop Grumman's request for quote for another B707 re-engining candidate, the U.S. Air Force JointSTARS upgrade, due later this month.

P&W's JT8D turbofan is the most widely used commercial jet engine in operation today, with a worldwide installed base of more than 12,000 engines. The latest version of the engine, the 21,000-pound thrust JT8D-219, can include military-specific improvements for better fuel offload capabilities for tankers, a reduced infrared signature, and longer time-on-station. The -219 engine's average fuel consumption for most 707 military missions is expected to be at least 10% lower than that of the present engines.

Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies company (NYSE:UTX), is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines.

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