British Early Warning Airborne Radar Equipment testbeds

[McColm]

The three Boeing Silvertown ACI aircraft from Operation Downfall were bought by SJMcColm Engineering Limited, they went on to become testbeds for not only radar systems and engines although they never entered service with Royal Air Force they were leased out by them during NATO exercises and for training purposes.
The AN/APS-20S radar was replaced with the AN/APS-120 the same as the ones fitted to the Grumman E-2 Hawkeye, upgrades to the AN/APS-125, 139 and the AN/APS-145 which is currently fitted to the E-2D. The engines were all hybrid-turboprops. With two remaining in flying condition whilst the third is on static display.

[McColm]

Work has already started on the 1/72 Boeing Silvertown ACI transformation. It's not going to be the Chinese KJ-1 AWACS due to the changes I made to the Academy KB-29P.
The upper radome has been removed, so too have the propellers and observation windows along the fuselage.
The AIM Transport Wings Rolls-Royce Dart engines for the Vickers Viscount will be used along with parts for the Grumman E-2C Hawkeye kit.
The belly radome is resin and will remain in place, spare parts will be used.A slight change in the name to the Boeing Silvertown AEW.2.