The US Air Force took delivery of Boeing's first KC-46A tanker, laying the groundwork for the aircraft's delivery to McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas. coming weeks.
“The KC-46A is a proven, safe, multi-mission aircraft that will transform air refueling and mobility operations for decades to come. We look forward to working with the Air Force and Navy during their initial operational test and evaluation of the KC-46 as we demonstrate the operational capabilities of this next-generation aircraft in refueling missions, mobility and combat weapons systems.”, said Leanne Caret, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security.
“I want to thank the men and women of the Air Force and the Boeing team who made this happen.”, complete.
During extensive flight testing, six KC-46 aircraft completed more than 3800 flight hours and discharged over four million pounds of fuel for A-10, B-52, C-17, KC-10, KC-135, KC -46, F -15E, F-16 and F/A-18 planes. The Pegasus has been rigorously tested in all aspects of the refueling envelope and in all conditions, including day, night and coverage.
With the signature of what is known as DD250 paperwork, delivery activities can proceed. McConnell Air Force Base will receive the first four KC-46 aircraft, all ready for delivery, with a subsequent four aircraft destined for Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, starting next month.
Boeing has a contract for 52 of the 179 tankers expected for the Air Force. In addition to the first aircraft that was accepted today, nine aircraft are undergoing customer acceptance tests with the remaining aircraft of the contracted amount in production.
“This is a historic and exciting day for the Air Force and for Boeing as we deliver the first of many KC-46 tankers”, said Boeing President and CEO Dennis Muilenburg. “I am proud of the dedication and commitment of our team across the company and we are honored to provide this valuable and capable aircraft to our customers. We look forward to continuing to build the KC-46 for the Air Force – and other customers around the world – for decades to come.”
The KC-46, derived from Boeing's commercial 767 airframe, is built at Boeing's Everett, Washington facility.
