When Whidbey Islanders look up in the sky Friday, they’ll see an unusual sight.

On Friday, Dec. 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Boeing will be conducting test flights of the Boeing 737 AEW&C (Aviation Early Warning and Control) at the Navy’s Outlying Landing Field (OLF) south of Coupeville.

A news release from Whidbey Island Naval Air Station Thursday afternoon described the Boeing “Wedgetail” as “significantly larger,” and looking “quite different” from the EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler that regularly train at the OLF.

The aircraft will approach from the south, fly straight and level passes and then make an easterly departure from the end of the runway.

“They expect to make several passes during the test period. The aircraft will not land at the OLF,” said Kimberly Martin, NAS Whidbey public information officer.

“We anticipate minimal impact to the populated area near the OLF, but wanted to ensure the residents in and around the OLF were aware of the Boeing test flights.”