Boeing Selects Challenger For MSA

Boeing has selected the Bombardier Challenger 605 business jet to be the platform for its maritime surveillance aircraft (MSA) offering. This program was announced in 2012 as a cheaper alternative to Boeing’s high-spec P-8 Poseidon maritime patroller that is on show here at the Dubai Airshow. However, the MSA mission suite draws heavily on the technology developed for the P-8, albeit sized for a business jet application. At the time of the MSA launch the platform had not been selected. Field Aviation in Canada is currently modifying a Boeing-owned Challenger 604 to act as an MSA demonstrator, which should appear next year. Field will also undertake the production modifications of the Challenger 605.