First test flight for KC-46 Tanker a success
The US Air Force’s KC-46 Tanker programme has reached a significant milestone, with the first test flight conducted from Paine Field, Washington, on 28 December.
The three hour and 32 minute flight was conducted by Boeing and the US Air Force, and declared a success by Boeing. The aircraft will receive its military systems following certification.
Boeing was awarded a contract in 2011 to design and develop the US Air Force's next-generation tanker aircraft. Boeing is building four test aircraft – two 767-2Cs and two KC-46A Tankers. The 767-2Cs will enter flight test as commercial freighters prior to receiving their aerial refuelling systems, while the KC-46s will fly as fully equipped tankers through the FAA and military certification process.
The contract will see Boeing deliver the first 18 of 179 KC-46 aircraft to the US Air Force by 2017.
You may also like
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Orbit upgrades two multi-purpose terminals and carries out land testing]()
Orbit upgrades two multi-purpose terminals and carries out land testing
The Israeli-based communications company has upgraded two of its Beyond Line-of-Sight Multi-Purpose Terminals (MBTs) by introducing advancements in satellite communication technology and AI-driven maintenance capabilities.
-
![Norway to receive maritime surveillance satellite data from Kongsberg]()
Norway to receive maritime surveillance satellite data from Kongsberg
Norway's Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace has announced that its subsidiary Kongsberg NanoAvionics will produce three satellites and launch them in 2025.
-
![First South Korean 425 Project observation satellite launched]()
First South Korean 425 Project observation satellite launched
In 2015, South Korea named a consortium of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hanwha Systems, along with Thales Alenia Space providing the SAR payload derived from its HE-R1000 product, as preferred bidder to develop new Korea 425 Project reconnaissance satellites.
-
![Hanwha Phasor’s first military antenna to hit market this year]()
Hanwha Phasor’s first military antenna to hit market this year
UK-based company will launch the Phasor L3300B land antenna for mobile communications following a US$113.7 million investment from parent firm Hanwha.
-
![Thales strengthens focus on digital trust environments for military operations]()
Thales strengthens focus on digital trust environments for military operations
At the Future Soldier Technology Conference, Thales Land Communications highlighted the necessity of establishing a digital trust environment to enhance armed forces’ decision-making and operational resilience.
