Boeing's tank program for the KC-46 has completed all required Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) flight tests following a successful refueling/communications flight with a C-17 Globemaster III.
The STC encomes the military systems installed on the 767-2C aircraft to make it a tanker, and is one of two FAA airworthiness certifications. Boeing will now submit the resulting data and reports to the FAA for review prior to the STC award.
“This is a major milestone for the program and brings us closer to the first delivery of the KC-46”, said Mike Gibbons, Boeing KC-46A vice president and program manager. "We have the best of Boeing working together to ensure the Air Force is getting a game-changing tank with unrivaled capabilities."
As part of the STC test, the combined Boeing/Air Force team had to validate the boom and drogue systems for aerial refueling with multiple receiver planes. They also demonstrated that the KC-46 can take fuel from the KC-135, KC-10 and other KC-46 tankers, performed day and night lighting tests, and tested the aircraft's defensive systems and avionics.
“While most of our testing was conducted from Boeing Field in Seattle, we connected with resources at Nellis and Edwards Air Force Bases and also traveled to Naval Air Station Patuxent River for centerline drogue system testing.”, said Jeanette Croppi, KC-46 Program Test Manager. “This was really a great team effort. ”
Boeing previously received its FAA amended type certificate for its mainline 767-2C configuration in December 2017. The 767-2C is a modified version of the company's commercial 767 with airframe, avionics, wiring and hydraulics overhauls.
The test program has six aircraft that have endured various ATC and STC test segments. In total, they completed 2900 flight hours, as well as more than 2500 “s” during refueling flights with F-16, F/A-18, AV-8B, C-17, A-10, KC-10 and KC-46.
The KC-46, derived from Boeing's commercial 767 airframe, is built at the company's Everett, Washington facility. Boeing is currently on contract for the first 34 of the expected 179 tankers for the US Air Force.
The KC-46A is a multirole tanker that can refuel all Allied and military aircraft, compliant with international air-to-air refueling procedures, and can carry engers, cargo and patients.
