The first PW4062 engines for the KC-46 test aircraft have been delivered to Boeing’s Everett, WA, facility by Pratt & Whitney. The flight test aircraft for the US Air Force under the KC-46 programme is currently under construction at the facility.

Two PW4062 engines will power the KC-46A aircraft. Each engine has a 94-inch diameter fan blade and is able to deliver 62,000 pounds of thrust. The PW4062 is the highest thrust model in Pratt & Whitney's PW4000-94" commercial engine family and is offered for both commercial freighter and military applications.

Howie Chandler, vice president of business development, Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, said: ‘The PW4000 engine family that will power these aircraft has an exceptional track record of performance and dependability with numerous commercial customers operating the engine globally. We are confident in the PW4062 engines and know they will continue to perform exceptionally well in a military application for Boeing, and for our ultimate customer, the men and women in uniform.’

Maureen Dougherty, Boeing vice president and program manager, KC-46 Tanker Program, added: ‘Pratt & Whitney's PW4062 engine offers the KC-46 Program an engine that has proven performance, fuel economy, and durability - qualities that make it the clear choice to power the KC-46A aircraft. These engines bring tremendous capability to the KC-46A, which supports superior multi-role mission performance by delivering more fuel, transporting more passengers and cargo, and offering enhanced aeromedical capabilities to our USAF customer.’

The KC-46 programme could call for as many as 368 PW4062 engines to be delivered between 2013 and 2027; Actual production engine procurement quantities will be determined over the life of the programme as established by future purchase orders.