Boeing now has six tanker planes in its KC-46 Tanker test program and thus expands its ability to complete ground and in-flight activities as it progresses to the first deliveries to the US Air Force.
The most recent KC-46 supply tanker, the second low-rate initial production aircraft, completed its first flight on the 29 in April. The testing activities will help ensure that the KC-46 can operate safely through the electromagnetic fields produced by radars, radio towers and other systems.
"Adding another tanker will help us become even more efficient and greatly improve our ability to complete ongoing test points," said Jeanette Croppi, Boeing KC-46 Tanker tanker test team director. "We are also reconfiguring one of our 767-2C planes into a tanker, which means that we will soon have four KC-46s on trial."
"This first flight is another important milestone for the KC-46 program to test the aircraft's operational capabilities," said Colonel John Newberry, US Air Force KC-46 System program manager. "The addition of this aircraft guarantees key capabilities to the test fleet and helps bring us closer to delivering operational aircraft to the warfighter."
To date, the program's test aircraft have completed 1.600 flight hours and over 1.200 "contacts" during refueling flights with the F-16s, F / A-18s, AV-8Bs, C-17s, As -10 and KC-10.
The KC-46 is derived from the structure of the Boeing 767 commercial aircraft. The company plans to build 179 tankers in its factory in Everett, Washington.
The KC-46A is a multi-role tanker capable of supplying all allied military and coalition aircraft, compatible with international in-flight refueling procedures and capable of carrying passengers, goods and patients.
