A Boeing 737-700 Next Generation Series will begin operational missions this month for the Office of Secure Transportation’s Aviation Operations Division. The 2008 aircraft adds to OST’s current fleet of two 737-400 aircraft. It replaced a 1969 DC-9.
National Nuclear Security Administration
February 21, 2023
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A Boeing 737-700 Next Generation Series will begin operational missions this month for the Office of Secure Transportation’s Aviation Operations Division. The 2008 aircraft adds to OST’s current fleet of two 737-400 aircraft. It replaced a 1969 DC-9.
Like the other two aircraft in the fleet, the 737-700 was converted to a FlexCombi design to allow OST to reconfigure the aircraft to carry out its national security mission. That included modifications of the floor for cargo, installation of a cargo door, installation of the cargo loading system, and installation of the Flexcombi moveable bulkheads to accommodate various cargo and passenger configurations.
“We accepted the aircraft on 15 October 2022,” said Alex Bapty, Director of the Aviation Operations Division. “Since acceptance OST has conducted a conformity check with the FAA Certificate Management Office, trained its pilots and maintainers, conducted familiarization flights, acquired tooling and parts, worked with the FAA to update and accept publications and Letters of Authorizations, conducted a comprehensive risk assessment and mitigated identified risks, and conducted a flight readiness review board.”
OST aircraft move national security cargoes to NNSA customers and transport federal agents who conduct secure ground transportation. They also support DOE emergency response capabilities.