RE'EM RE-ENGINING

摘要

Investing in an aircraft scheduled for retirement within five years is not a common occurrence. However, when the platform involved is flying top priority missions such as in-flight refuelling and reconnaissance, a flexible approach may be needed. This was the situation facing the Israel Defence Force/Air Force (IDF/AF) and it was one which required an immediate solution as it had become increasingly difficult - and costly- to maintain the Pratt and Whitney (P&W)JT4A-11 turbqjets which powered a significant number of the IDF/AF Boeing 707 fleet. Obtaining spare parts for theJT1A-11 became a nightmare and to solve the maintenance problem two solutions were considered: manufacturing spare parts, or replacing the engines.