The US Air Force assigned yesterday 2.8 billion dollars to Boeing for the construction - at a low initial production rate - of the KC-46A aircraft refuelers.
The allocation includes the first two "production lots" from 7 and 12 aircraft as well as spare parts. Understanding future options, Boeing plans to build a total of 179 of these refueling aircraft to replace the current KC-135 fleet.
This step follows an examination by the Defense Acquisition Board and the announcement that the KC-46 program, having completed "Milestone C" (a series of ground and flight tests), is cleared for initial production. The trials included refueling flights with F-16, F / A-18, AV-8B, KC-10, C-17 and A-10 as well as a cargo handling demonstration.
Boeing received a first contract in the 2011 to design and develop the next-generation US Air Force tankers. In this context, Boeing built four demonstration aircraft - two configured as 767-2Cs and two as KC-46A aircraft suppliers. The test planes, to date, have totaled over 1.000 flight hours.
The KC-46A is a multi-role tanker that can supply all allied and coalition aircraft compatible with international air refueling procedures and is able to carry passengers, goods and patients.
Boeing is assembling the KC-46 at the Everett, Washington facility, and will start deliveries in the 2017.
