Aircraft
Boeing, Northrop Grumman Propose JStars Replacements
The U.S. Air Force has abandoned plans to re-engine the aging JStars platform.
Boeing has proposed a JStars replacement based on the 737-700. (Image: Boeing)
Boeing has proposed a JStars replacement based on the 737-700. (Image: Boeing)

Boeing is now proposing the 737-700 Boeing Business Jet for the emerging U.S. Air Force JStars (Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System) replacement program. Eyeing the same requirement, meanwhile, Northrop Grumman has been flying a smaller, company-owned Gulfstream G550 development aircraft. The Air Force is expected to issue a formal request for proposal soon, in a hurry-up effort that aims to replace the 19 aging current JStars (a Boeing 707 derivative) beginning in 2022. Five of those aircraft will be retired in FY2016 to help fund the replacement. A plan to re-engine them was abandoned.