Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/840553
A Boeing 737 with a new paint theme – one that will be featured on the first aircraft which will be delivered in November 2017. It's Boeing's conceptual work, though. The company will provide Poland with a total of three aircraft of this type – photo by Boeing AWARD As a result, Poland will acquire three aircraft for 670 million USD. These will include one used 737-800 132-pax aircraft, which is to be supplied by 15 November 2017. The passenger cabin layout is following: four pax in the hEAD section, eight pax in the Business Class and 120 pax in the Economic Class). According to the requirements, the aircraft may be five years old at most (just like engines). Based on the information revealed by MOD, we can assume that the jet may be actually brand new as currently Boeing has more than ten 737-800s at different assembly stages in its manufacturing plant as some customers canceled from 737-800 for the sake of latest 737 Max 8). MOD's spokesperson said: "The parties are in the process of mak- ing decisions concerning the specific used aircraft, which is planned to be delivered in November 2017. The MOD has reserved the right to verify the offered aircraft". The next two aircraft will brand new Boeing Business Jets (BBJ2). They are to be supplied in 2020 (September-November) – arranged to transport GOV VIPs and staff (66 pax in total). Moreover, both BBJ2s are to be equipped with active and passive self-defense systems and encrypted communica- tion systems. As minister Kownacki put it, the aircraft will not only to carry VIPs, but also act as airborne government and command posts. After 2020, the "used" aircraft will become reserve one, but given its capa- bilities, it may be used in other tasks. An interesting alternative assumes converting it to a combi variant, which would make it able to carry cargo pal- lets and transport personel simultaneously, or – given its modular structure – using it as a passenger/medical rescue/transportation aircraft, if neces- sary. This is common practice in the world, US Air Force order next batch of C-40 Clippers (military variant of 737-700), for the said purposes. In the case of Poland, a converted aircraft (by e.g. WZL-2 S.A.) would be a perfect addition to the fleet of C-130E hercules medium transport aircraft, whose lifespan will come to an end in the coming decade. Such aircraft could also supplement the fleet of the CASA C295M. Apart from supporting airlift be- tween the country and the deployed military forces, the aircraft could also become an effective support in relief aid operations, which could relieve the military transport aircraft. ChANCE FOR POLISh INDUSTRy? All versions of the 737 are manufactured at Boeing's plant. In the case of the BBJ2, they leave the assembly line at the "green" stage, i.e. featuring basic equipment, ready for test flights and to be relocated to one of the many fa- cilities where they can be furnished and equipped as necessary. In the case www.fragoutmag.com