HOOD CANAL—
Boeing on Monday will begin flight tests for a
military airplane over Hood Canal.The Seattle Times reports that the plane, a 737 outfitted with a self-protection system, will release flares and be closely followed by a chase aircraft.
The seven flights between Monday and Oct. 15 will test the self protection system aboard a Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft, with a large rectangular antenna mounted on the upper fuselage and Royal Australian Air Force markings. The chase plane is a T-33 jet that will videotape the tests for later analysis.
Anyone observing the plane may see white light and some smoke, a normal part of the activity.
