Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI) (TASE: ARSP.B1) is developing a new Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) cargo conversion for the 737-700BDSF. A first ever prototype aircraft is under conversion from passenger to full-freighter configuration at IAI's facility including the installation of a wide cargo door. All work will be performed at IAI's Bedek Aviation Group facilities in Israel and STC approval is expected during the fourth quarter of 2016.
IAI will convert the first 767-300 aircraft with winglets from passenger to full-freighter configuration, for DHL. The aircraft, MSN 28040, is already at IAI, undergoing a series of tests, both on the ground and in flight, and is planned to receive the modified STC (for an aircraft with winglets) in February 2017. IAI designed the B737-700BDSF Conversion with an 84" X 134" cargo door on the left side and additional modifications of main deck to the Class "E" cargo compartment. The converted B737-700BDSF can carry a total of 10 ULD's - 8 Full 88"X 125" AAA plus 1 80"X43" AYK plus 1 88"X79" AYF providing a total useful volume of 3673 cu. ft. enabling the plane to carry up to 45,000 lbs.
IAI corporate EVP and general manager Bedek Aviation Group said, "IAI is proud to add the converted 737-700BDSF to the successful portfolio of IAI developed STCs for cargo conversions of passenger aircraft and we expect B737-800BDSF conversion STC approval a year from the B737-700BDSF STC approval, with 12 positions and the ability to carry up to 52,000 lbs."
He added, "IAI's Bedek Aviation Group has been involved for over 40 years in the design, development, testing, certification and implementation of modifications and conversions of various aerial platforms and has successfully delivered over 200 various passenger- to- freighter converted aircraft over the years."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on July 7, 2016
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