Boeing and the U.S. Air Force successfully completed the first flight of the KC-46 tanker test program today. The plane, a Boeing 767-2C, took off from Paine Field, Wash., at 9:29 a.m. (PST) and landed three hours and 32 minutes later at Boeing Field. The aircraft will receive its military systems following certification.
As part of a contract awarded in 2011 to design and develop the Air Force’s next-generation tanker aircraft, Boeing is building four test aircraft – two 767-2Cs and two KC-46A Tankers. The 767-2Cs enter flight test as commercial freighters prior to receiving their aerial refueling systems, while the KC-46s will fly as fully equipped tankers through the FAA and military certification process.
Boeing is on contract to deliver the first 18 of 179 KC-46 aircraft to the Air Force by 2017.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 56,000 employees worldwide.
EVERETT, Wash., Dec. 28, 2014
Even though first test flight is completed, still Boeing has an uphill task at fixing all the glitches and the tanker is ready as per FAA guidelines. Also it has already reported cost overruns for this project. After delays in delivery to cost overruns, it is important for Boeing to deliver the first tranche without any hiccups. http://alph.st/bc4b895b