"The arrival marks the start of the program's production phase in Turkey where TAI will transform this commercial aircraft into a state-of-the-art AEWandC system," said Mike Brewer, Boeing Peace Eagle program manager. "A TAI team has worked with Boeing for more than two years in preparation for this work, and I am confident in its ability to execute this phase of the program."

TAI personnel will install a reinforced upper section where the aircraft's main Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array radar will be attached. Other extensive installations and modifications include new power and cooling systems, mission consoles and modifications to the environmental control and hydraulic systems.

"Delivery of the first Peace Eagle aircraft to the TAI facility is another important milestone for the Peace Eagle program and of prime importance to our country, armed forces and company," said Muharrem Dortkasli, TAI general manager. "Through this program, TAI will gain engineering, integrated logistic support, repair and maintenance as well as management capabilities on 737 AEWandC aircraft."

Boeing is modifying the first of four Peace Eagle aircraft in Seattle, Wash. TAI will modify the three remaining aircraft at its facility in Turkey. Work on the third aircraft will begin in September 2006, and the final aircraft will move into the TAI hangar in March 2007. All four aircraft are scheduled for delivery to SSM, Turkey 's acquisition agency, and the Turkish air force by the end of 2008.

"We are pleased to see today's achievement of an important milestone in a high priority program and are confident that TAI will successfully execute this extensive modification to deliver a very capable platform to the Turkish air force" said Murad Bayar, undersecretary for Turkey's defense industries.

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