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DATE:26/01/11
SOURCE:Flight International
IAI gets contract for last 707 tanker conversion
By Arie Egozi
The Israeli air force has bought another Boeing 707 for Israel Aerospace Industries to convert into an in-flight refuelling aircraft.
Local sources say the deal will probably be the last signed to adapt a 707 for the mission.
Israel's air force has had to convert several more 707s in recent years because of the US Air Force's troubled selection process for a new KC-X fleet of tankers.
Upgrades have also expanded the capability of the Israeli air force's 707 "Reem" fleet, which is used primarily for tanker duties.
Modifications have included installing a new Honeywell cockpit avionics suite with six multifunction displays, plus new communications equipment and a global air traffic management system.
An Israeli-made boom has been replaced with the same system used on the USAF's Boeing KC-135s.
Tel Aviv is awaiting the outcome of the KC-X contest between Boeing's 767 NewGen Tanker and an Airbus A330-based KC-45 aircraft offered by EADS North America before deciding on acquiring new tanker/transports.
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