Boeing gets $2.8 billion for KC-46As
Days after the KC-46A tanker achieved Milestone C, Boeing has been awarded $2.8 billion by the US Air Force (USAF) for low-rate initial production of the aircraft, the company announced on 18 August.
The funding covers the first two production lots of seven and 12 planes respectively, as well as spare parts. The assembly of the KC-46 aircraft is being carried out at Boeing’s Everett, Washington, facility, with deliveries scheduled to commence in 2017.
Leanne Caret, president and chief executive officer, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, said: ‘The KC-46 tanker will provide the air force unprecedented refuelling capabilities, operational flexibility and combat readiness.’
The tanker can refuel all coalition and allied military aircraft compatible with international aerial refuelling procedures, and carry patients, cargo and passengers.
Boeing received an initial contract in 2011 to design and develop the air force’s next-generation tanker aircraft. As part of that contract Boeing built four test aircraft – two configured as 767-2Cs and two as KC-46A tankers - which have completed more than 1,000 flight hours to date.
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