Was the original plan to to fit it on new build aircraft, until Boeing closed the 707 line (after building ZH107)? Or was the cancellation of new build the reason the line closed?

My understanding was the decision to put the system on used 707s was the cost was supposed to be significantly less than buying new. Thus the USAF would get the system it wanted in something like the numbers it wanted.

In the end, buying 'well used' didn't save either money or get the numbers it really wanted. Think of it as the proud prototype model for the F-22 procurement. (Remember the one guy who argued endlessly about buying 'used' DC-10s instead of whatever new tanker does get eventually built? All I could think of was this example during that torment.)

At the timel, the US Congress wanted to kill it due to costs. "Why do we need it with the Cold War over?"

I do not know the relationship or timeline regarding the 707 manufacturing line and the E-8C, sorry.

There is a program underway (open source) to re-engine the E-8C. I don't believe it will be with CFMs, but I've been away for too long to be in the know anymore (if ever). The program was wanted much earlier, but other priorities kept taking the money. Sound familiar?


Apologies for the thread creep. Would it be the slightest bit cheaper to have only a few -R models refitted than to finish the original contract?