Boeing opened an integration laboratory to support testing and integration of commercial avionics and software into its KC-46A next-generation aerial refueling tanker.
The lab, known as the KC-46 Tanker System Integration Laboratory (SIL), is located at Boeing Field in Seattle, Wash.
Boeing plans on opening four additional SILs by the end of 2013. The company expects to build 179 KC-46A tankers to replace the current U.S. Air Force fleet of KC-135s, with 18 combat-ready tankers entering service in 2017.
The company recently began production of the first KC-46 refueling boom.