The US Air Force (USAF) has awarded Boeing a $2.8Bn contract for KC-46A tanker low-rate initial production.
The award includes the first two ‘production lots’ of seven and 12 planes respectively, as well as spare parts. Including future options, Boeing plans to build a total of 179 of the 767-based refueling aircraft for the USAF to replace its KC-135 fleet.
This step forward follows a Defense Acquisition Board review and announcement that the KC-46 programme completed “Milestone C” — a set of required ground- and flight-test tests – and is approved for initial production. Those tests included refuelling flights with F-16, F/A-18, AV-8B, KC-10, C-17 and A-10 aircraft and a cargo handling demo.
Boeing received an initial contract in 2011 to design and develop the USAF’s next-generation tanker aircraft. 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.
Boeing is assembling KC-46 aircraft at its Everett, Washington, facility. The company will begin delivering tankers to the USAF in 2017.
Leanne Caret, Boeing Defense, Space & Security President and CEO, said: “The KC-46 tanker will provide the Air Force unprecedented refueling capabilities, operational flexibility and combat readiness. It’s an important day for the company and program. We’re excited about building low-rate initial production aircraft, and it’s only possible because of the hard work of the joint Boeing-Air Force team.”
If you would like to join our community and read more articles like this then please click here
Boeing Defense Acquisition Board Defense Space & Security Everett KC-46A tanker Leanne Caret President and CEO review US Air Force USAF Washington
Post written by: Domhnall MacInnes
I am a features writer for MOD DCB magazine and Defence Online and a Content Marketing Executive with BiP Solutions.
RELATED ARTICLES
October 9, 2024
Air - Key E-7 Wedgetail facility officially opened by Royal Air Force
McLaughlin & Harvey complete a key facility that will be used to maintain the E-7 Wedgetail fleet in Scotland. The new
July 31, 2024
Homeland - Government launches root and branch review of UK Armed Forces
Review has been commissioned by the Prime Minister, will be overseen by the Defence Secretary John Healey, and headed by
