Slated For Delivery To JASDF In 2007
Boeing test pilots Thursday took the first KC-767 Tanker slated
for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) on its maiden
flight.
Set to make history as Japan's first aerial-refueling platform
when delivered in February 2007, the aircraft lifted off from
McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, KS -- adjacent to the Boeing
Integrated Defense Systems Wichita facility -- and logged a
three-hour and 30 minute flight before employees, customers and
suppliers.
"This first flight represents an enormous step in meeting Japan
's strategic self-defense needs," said Maj. Kenji Nagatomo, Japan
on-site Tanker program liaison. "We are looking forward to having
our first KC-767 enter service in 2007. The aircraft has great
flexibility in its aerial refueling and cargo capabilities, and
will help Japan provide aid to the world's population during major
natural disasters."
The Japan KC-767 Tanker is a military derivative of the 767-200
commercial airplane, and was selected over an Airbus A310-based
competitor in 2001. It has been configured with the advanced Boeing
air refueling boom and Remote Aerial Refueling Operator (RARO II)
system.
"This advanced tanker will provide the Japanese unrivaled tanker
capability and operational flexibility," said Joe Shaheen, director
of Boeing International Tanker Programs. "Leveraging more than 540
hours and 180 flights on our Italian KC-767 in flight test, this
KC-767 will be a low-risk, high-demand asset for the Japanese
military."
Under contract to receive four KC-767 Tankers, the JASDF has
selected the convertible freighter configuration, which will
provide flexibility in carrying cargo or passengers, while
maintaining its primary role as an aerial tanker.
Boeing also recently completed critical Federal Aviation
Administration certifications on the first KC-767 for Italy, and
will deliver the first two of four tankers to that country in
2007.
In addition to flight-testing the KC-767 for international
customers, Boeing is competing for a contract to build 179
next-generation tankers for the US Air Force as they replace their
KC-135 fleet under the KC-X acquisition program next year. An
updated Airbus tanker, based off the A330 twinjet, is also in that
competition.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems
is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses.