Fri, Sep 06, 2013
Boeing 'On Track' To Deliver 18 Combat-Ready Tankers By 2017
The 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. "I'm pleased to report that the design of the KC-46A tanker has been locked down," said Air Force Maj. Gen. John Thompson, Air Force Program Executive Officer for Tankers. "This is great news for the nation’s warfighters. The joint government and Boeing team stayed focused on the design review objectives, and truly delivered."
Following months of component and subsystem reviews, the Air Force and Boeing held a KC-46A Weapon System Critical Design Review July 8-10.
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 president and 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. If all options under the current contract are exercised, Boeing expects to deliver 179 tankers so the Air Force can begin replacing its fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers. By 2017, Boeing is to build four test aircraft and deliver 18 combat-ready tankers.
(USAF image)
More News
Also: B-29 Superfortress Reunion, FAA Wants Controllers, Spirit Airlines Pulls Back, Gogo Galileo Van's Aircraft posted a short video recapping the goings-on around their reorganiz>[...]
Light Gun A handheld directional light signaling device which emits a brilliant narrow beam of white, green, or red light as selected by the tower controller. The color and type of>[...]
"The journey to this achievement started nearly a decade ago when a freshly commissioned Gentry, driven by a fascination with new technologies and a desire to contribute significan>[...]
"Our driven and innovative team of military and civilian Airmen delivers combat power daily, ensuring our nation is ready today and tomorrow." Source: General Duke Richardson, AFMC>[...]
Aircraft Conflict Predicted conflict, within EDST of two aircraft, or between aircraft and airspace. A Red alert is used for conflicts when the predicted minimum separation is 5 na>[...]