ABSTRACT
Boeing has long been a major department of defense contractor as well as the dominant commercial air transport manufacturer in the US and abroad. Its principal defense contracts have involved transport aircraft, missiles, aircraft avionics, and helicopters. New defense contracts and overseas commercial sales were vital to Boeing’s business growth. The E-3A contract was seen as an important element in Boeing’s recovery. The justification for this program shifted continually from a warning system based in the US, to tactical air control in Europe, to radar jamming. In the late 1970s Boeing continued an active effort in both commercial and defense markets. Corporate fortunes have soared on the strength of renewed commercial aircraft orders for the 727, 737, and 747. In addition, Boeing has virtually no US competition for the next generation of commercial air transport and is actively marketing its 757 and 767.
