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
-
![Orbiting the Future: How New Satellite Technologies are Revolutionising Global Communications]()
Orbiting the Future: How New Satellite Technologies are Revolutionising Global Communications
With the satellite industry at a pivotal juncture, Intelsat is investing in advanced technologies like 5G and optical communications, striving to enhance worldwide connectivity and address emerging governmental needs.
-
![Leidos to support DoD Joint Staff C2 system under $74 million contract]()
Leidos to support DoD Joint Staff C2 system under $74 million contract
Leidos has been awarded a five-year, $74 million contract to provide analytical and engineering support for Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) to the US DoD Joint Staff (JS) J6 Joint Assessment Division (JAD).
-
DSEI 2023: Controp unveils Smart Vision AI software for EO/IR payloads
Controp Precision Technologies unveiled its Smart Vision AI software for enhancing the level of autonomy and automation for a variety of surveillance and reconnaissance missions at DSEI 2023.
-
![Space Systems Technology Report 2023 now available to read]()
Space Systems Technology Report 2023 now available to read
Unlocking the potential of satellite technology for communications and intelligence-gathering.
-
![DSEI 2023: APS claims 90% success rate in tracking drones in Ukraine]()
DSEI 2023: APS claims 90% success rate in tracking drones in Ukraine
Advanced Protection System (APS) has reported a 90% success in tracking Russian UAVs operating in the Ukraine war using its SKYctrl anti-drone system.
-
![DSEI 2023: First Azalea satellite cluster set for launch in early 2025]()
DSEI 2023: First Azalea satellite cluster set for launch in early 2025
The first four multi-sensor Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites forming the first cluster of Azalea will be launched in early 2025 as part of a BAE Systems effort to demonstrate capability to the UK government and other potential customers.
