Department of Defense Contractors Use Our Equipment Solutions
By their own estimation, Boeing faces a serious test of whether their militarized 737 airliners are the future for the U.S. Air Force. Next up on the Pentagon’s decision block will be new planes for the JSTARS surveillance fleet, which has been running on Boeing 707s for decades.
This fall, when military leaders choose between the 737 or smaller business jets instead, it’s largely a question of short-term versus long-term outlooks.
About the Boeing 737 for Military Use
Use of the Boeing 737 by militaries is not new. Nearly 200 have already been purchased by the U.S. and other countries for various applications. This time, the notable difference is that the 737 is larger than what the JSTARS spying program may even need.
Boeing believes that the larger 737 offers great value for two key reasons. The extra room for growth can accommodate changing needs, and the higher immediate cost may well be offset by cheaper maintenance.
Business Jets or Commercial Airliners?
With many other aircraft fleets up for replacement soon, Boeing hopes the 737 will become the recurring preference.
The more glamorous business jets cost only half as much as the 737, whose higher maintenance costs may scuttle the deal. That would not be surprising, as lower immediate costs often seal the deal for military decisions.
Is bigger better when it comes to spying aircraft? One thing we know for certain: military and aviation professionals need the right tool for every job. Our aircraft tug helps tow small aircraft of all sizes for maneuvering in the hangar and staging on runways.
Check out the Lindbergh Aircraft Tug for more info.