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Is this the ideal flying solution?

May 8, 2015

This post is also available in: עברית (Hebrew)

Israel aerospace industries (IAI) is offering a combination of an Aerial refueling aircraft with a transport aircraft and with a VIP aircraft for heads of states. If this combination is successful, IAI may operate a conversion line for this type in its Bedek group facilities.

In recent years, the Israeli government has been looking for an aerial platform that will substitute the aircraft leased from Israeli airlines to fly the prime minister around the world. Nevertheless, so far, these efforts have not resulted in a contract. Budget constraints and public criticism are blocking the runway.

Now, a solution may be offered to the Israeli government but not only to this client. This, in the form of a multi mission aircraft that will be capable of flying the prime minister in style, and when needed – will also be capable of providing operational aerial services such as refueling and troop transport.

One example is the Israel aerospace industries (IAI) Multi Mission Tanker Transport (MMTT) configuration. It is based on a Boeing 767-300ER that will be converted by the Bedek group of IAI.

The 767 MMTT will have a state of the art glass cockpit and will be also be upgraded with new engines. In addition, the configuration will also enable the primary mission of aerial refueling, as well as transporting some 200 soldiers and 60 tons of cargo.

Sources in the Israeli ministry of defense (MoD), said that the price of the 767 in its MMTT configuration is 15-20% lower than any other alternative. The MMTT is considered by experts as the perfect solution that will allow the use of the aircraft for operational missions while allowing a fast configuration change of the cabin when an official visit of the prime minister is on the agenda.