U.S. Air Force and Boeing have validated the final design elements of the KC-46A Tanker and concluded that the proposed design embodies and...
U.S. Air Force and Boeing have validated the final design elements of the KC-46A Tanker and concluded that the proposed design embodies and can meet Air Force requirements, clearing the way for production and testing of the next-generation aerial refueling tanker.
Following months of component and subsystem reviews, the Air Force and Boeing held a KC-46A Weapon System Critical Design Review July 8-10.
Next June, Boeing will begin installation of military-unique systems on the aircraft at Boeing Field in Seattle as well as testing.
Boeing will now proceed with integration, verification, and production of four engineering and manufacturing development aircraft to support flight testing, scheduled to begin in mid-2014. The first test aircraft is expected to roll out of the factory in January 2014, while the second is scheduled to leave the factory in March. First flight for the fully provisioned tanker is scheduled for early 2015, with first delivery in 2016.
The KC‑46A is based on the commercial Boeing 767-200ER , a proven airframe in service worldwide as an airliner, freighter and tanker. The company has delivered more than 1,050 767s.
"The KC-46A's design is all about giving the warfighter an edge," said Maureen Dougherty, Boeing vice presidentand KC-46 program manager. "The aircraft’s powerful, multi-role capabilities and high reliability will mean greater effectiveness and availability to meet more mission requirements."
Boeing began assembling the wing for the first tanker aircraft on June 26.
US Air Force contracted with Boeing in February 2011 to acquire 179 KC-46 refueling tankers to begin recapitalizing the more than 50-year old KC-135 fleet. Production will ramp up to deliver 179 tankers by 2028. By 2017, Boeing is to build four test aircraft and deliver 18 combat-ready tankers.
