Boeing Tacair press conference at today's Singapore Airshow
Mark Kronenberg, a Boeing vice president for international business development, said he sees Japan as a "critical opportunity" to replace its F-4s and he also hoped that Boeing's success in Qatar with the C-17 can lead to "some opportunity" to sell fighters to the Gulf state.
Boeing also announced that the Indian Air Force will soon start Phase 3 testing of the Super Hornet later this month in the United States. The trials will include weapons and sensor tests. During trials in India, the IAF was impressed by the minimum maintenance capability of the F/A-18E/F. And over in Australia, the country's first Super Hornet is expected to arrive next month.
As for the F-15SE, Boeing expects to carry out live firing tests from the in-flight bay door of the fighter in the 3rd or 4th quarter this year. There is also an opportunity to sell another 60 F-15 fighters to South Korea. Washington is also engaged in talks with Riyadh for F-15s and Boeing expects to a decision this year or next.
When asked about their opinion on PAK-FA's first flight, Jeffrey Johnson, vice-president of business development, said it was an "exciting development" and it highlights the need of air dominance for countries around the world.
As for the OV-10, Boeing sees it as an ideal escort for the V-22 besides being an COIN aircraft. Phantom Works requires just nine months to develop a prototype if needed. Johnson added that the USAF is impressed by the twin-engine capability of the OV-10 for its requirements.
Touching on the Phantom Ray, Boeing now expects the first flight to be next year rather than December this year.
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