U.S. Air Force has awarded Boeing a $2.8 billion contract for the production of KC-46A tanker, which will replace USAF's ageing KC-135 ...
U.S. Air Force has awarded Boeing a $2.8 billion contract for the production of KC-46A tanker, which will replace USAF's ageing KC-135 tanker fleet.
The low-rate initial production for the first two lot of 7 and 12 planes respectively, as well as spare parts was granted after Boeing successfully demonstrated KC-46A's aerial refueling capabilities stipulated by the USAF called the "Milestone C".
Those tests included refueling flights with F-16, F/A-18, AV-8B, KC-10, C-17 and A-10 aircraft and a cargo handling demo.
Boeing is assembling the tanker from its Everett, Wash., facility and will begin delivery in 2017.
Boeing received an initial contract in 2011 to design and develop the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation tanker aircraft, which is based on Boeing's 767 commercial jet platform.
As part of that contract Boeing built four test aircraft – two configured as 767-2Cs and two as KC-46A tankers. The test aircraft have completed more than 1,000 flight hours to date.
The KC-46A is a multirole tanker that can refuel all allied and coalition military aircraft compatible with international aerial refueling procedures and can carry passengers, cargo and patients.
The tanker can refuel other aircraft using the centerline boom and the two wing mounted drogue and chute systems.
 |
| Boeing Image |
Those tests included refueling flights with F-16, F/A-18, AV-8B, KC-10, C-17 and A-10 aircraft and a cargo handling demo.
Boeing is assembling the tanker from its Everett, Wash., facility and will begin delivery in 2017.
Boeing received an initial contract in 2011 to design and develop the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation tanker aircraft, which is based on Boeing's 767 commercial jet platform.
As part of that contract Boeing built four test aircraft – two configured as 767-2Cs and two as KC-46A tankers. The test aircraft have completed more than 1,000 flight hours to date.
The KC-46A is a multirole tanker that can refuel all allied and coalition military aircraft compatible with international aerial refueling procedures and can carry passengers, cargo and patients.
The tanker can refuel other aircraft using the centerline boom and the two wing mounted drogue and chute systems.
