Thai Airways' first Boeing 777 takes off from Boeing's Everett plant on its maiden flight recently. The 358-seat 777-200 was the first 777 to be delivered in Southeast Asia and the first delivered with Rolls-Royce Trent 800s (it entered service in late March). Thai has ordered eight 777-200s and six 777-300s. (Boeing)
Newsdesk — Military Aviation
Military Singapore Looks at Tankers
The Republic of Singapore Air Force is considering its options on the purchase of boom equipped tanker aircraft, the leading one being the purchase of four surplus Boeing KC-135s from the USAF. An RSAF team recently visited the USA to evaluate the aircraft and inspect airframes stored at Davis Monthan AFB in Arizona. If purchased, the aircraft will be upgraded to KC-135R standards with CFM56 turbofan engines, a glass cockpit and underwing hose-drum units for probe and drogue refuelling operations. Other offers have been received from Airbus (A310), Boeing (767-200), Israel Aircraft Industries (707 conversion) and McDonnell Douglas (KC-10). The A310 and 767 tankers are paper projects only, the IAI 707 conversion is considered too expensive to operate and maintain and the KC-10 is thought to be too large for Singapore’s requirements. A decision is expected as this issue went to press.
Military Accidents Cause Concern
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