Fri, Jun 28, 2013
First Delivery Set For 2016
The first wing spar for a U.S. Air Force KC-46A aerial refueling tanker was loaded by Boeing workers in Everett Wednesday, starting production of that aircraft and achieving another milestone toward delivering 179 tankers during the next 14 years. The KC-46A is based on the commercial 767-200ER.
“The Air Force is really excited and pleased that our No. 1 modernization priority has begun fabrication and entered the factory at Everett. The Boeing team continues to make significant progress in the KC-46 development program,” said Maj. Gen. John Thompson, U.S. Air Force Program Executive Officer for Tankers.
The spar, the main structural component of the wing, is 82 feet 5 inches long. On the aircraft, it provides critical support for flight loads and the weight of the wings when the plane is not flying. The program’s next major contractual milestone, the Air Force’s Critical Design Review, starts next month.
“We are building on the strong partnership that the Air Force and Boeing have developed during the past two years,” said Maureen Dougherty, Boeing vice president and KC-46 Tanker program manager. “From the enhanced flight deck to the modernized boom, our tanker will provide unequaled capabilities that will allow it to offload more fuel and carry more passengers, cargo and medical patients.”
Boeing employees are also preparing the 767 production line for assembly of the next-generation tanker’s aft and forward body structures. The aircraft will be assembled in November and roll out of the factory in January. “We’re proud to support the U.S. Air Force with a production line that emphasizes quality, efficiency and safety,” added Scott Campbell, vice president and general manager, 767 Program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
Next June, Boeing will begin installation of military-unique systems on the aircraft at Boeing Field in Seattle as well as testing. First flight for the fully provisioned tanker is scheduled for early 2015, with first delivery in 2016. Boeing expects to build and deliver the first 18 KC-46As by 2017 and a total of 179 by 2027 if all options under the contract are exercised.
(Image provided by Boeing)
More News
Aero Linx: International Business Aviation Council Ltd IBAC promotes the growth of business aviation, benefiting all sectors of the industry and all regions of the world. As a non->[...]
"During the annual inspection of the B-24 “Diamond Lil” this off-season, we made the determination that 'Lil' needs some new feathers. Due to weathering, the cloth-cove>[...]
Also: Bushcat Woes, Hummingbird 300 SL 4-Seat Heli Kit, Carbon Cub UL The newest Junkers is a faithful recreation that mates a 7-cylinder Verner radial engine to the airframe offer>[...]
Also: Seaplane Pilots Association, Rotax 916’s First Year, Gene Conrad After a decade and a half of struggling with the FAA and other aero-politics, G100UL is in production a>[...]
Also: Martha King Scholarship, Montaer Grows, Textron Updates Pistons, FlySto The FAA is hiring thousands of air traffic controllers, but the window to apply will only be open for >[...]