U.S. Air Force approved production of its newest strategic tanker aircraft- the Boeing KC-46A Pegasus, after successfully completing severa...
U.S. Air Force approved production of its newest strategic tanker aircraft- the Boeing KC-46A Pegasus, after successfully completing several aerial refueling demonstrations.
The Milestone C approval was granted by Frank Kendall, the under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics.
The USAF will soon award the first two low rate initial production contracts to Boeing, totaling 19 aircraft, and associated spare parts for a pre-negotiated $2.8 billion combined value.
The approval was granted after successful aerial refueling demonstrations of multiple platforms operated by USAF, to include refueling an F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter, C-17 Globemaster III airlifter and A-10 Thunderbolt II off the boom, and an AV-8 Harriar II and F/A-18 Hornet off both hose and drogue systems.
The KC-46 also proved its receiver capability by taking fuel from a KC-10 Extender tanker.
Some demonstrations were delayed due to higher than expected axial loads in the boom. Boeing installed hydraulic pressure relief valves to alleviate loads and last month all remaining demonstrations were quickly completed.
The first aircraft deliveries will be to McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, and Altus AFB, Oklahoma. A total of 18 tankers are scheduled to be delivered by early 2018.
The Pegasus is based on a Boeing 767 commercial jet platform and can also configured to carry passengers, cargo and patients. It will replace the ageing fleet of KC-135 tankers, which first entered USAF service in 1956.
The tanker can offload 212,299 lbs (96,265 kg) of fuel through its centerline boom and two wing-mounted hose and drogue systems.
A total of 179 KC-46 aircraft will be built for the Air Force.
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| KC-46 refuels a A-10 aircraft using the boom |
The USAF will soon award the first two low rate initial production contracts to Boeing, totaling 19 aircraft, and associated spare parts for a pre-negotiated $2.8 billion combined value.
The approval was granted after successful aerial refueling demonstrations of multiple platforms operated by USAF, to include refueling an F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter, C-17 Globemaster III airlifter and A-10 Thunderbolt II off the boom, and an AV-8 Harriar II and F/A-18 Hornet off both hose and drogue systems.
The KC-46 also proved its receiver capability by taking fuel from a KC-10 Extender tanker.
Some demonstrations were delayed due to higher than expected axial loads in the boom. Boeing installed hydraulic pressure relief valves to alleviate loads and last month all remaining demonstrations were quickly completed.
The first aircraft deliveries will be to McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, and Altus AFB, Oklahoma. A total of 18 tankers are scheduled to be delivered by early 2018.
The Pegasus is based on a Boeing 767 commercial jet platform and can also configured to carry passengers, cargo and patients. It will replace the ageing fleet of KC-135 tankers, which first entered USAF service in 1956.
The tanker can offload 212,299 lbs (96,265 kg) of fuel through its centerline boom and two wing-mounted hose and drogue systems.
A total of 179 KC-46 aircraft will be built for the Air Force.
