 |
| Boeing 767-2C takes off from Paine Field, Wash. Photo: Boeing |
[Avionics Today 12-29-2014] Boeing and the United States Air Force have successfully completed the first flight of the KC-46 tanker test program. The plane, a Boeing 767-2C, took off from Paine Field, Wash., and landed at Boeing Field. The aircraft will receive its military systems following certification.
The flight test took place 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, including 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.