Flight testing for KC-46 continues
Boeing now has six aircraft in its KC-46 tanker testing programme as it works on completing ground and flight tests for the US Air Force, the company announced on 2 May.
The newest KC-46A aerial refuelling aircraft completed its first flight on 29 April. Its test activities will ensure that the aircraft can safely operate in electromagnetic fields produced by radars, radio towers and other systems.
The KC-46A is a multirole tanker that can refuel all allied and coalition military aircraft compatible with international aerial refuelling procedures, and can carry passengers, cargo and patients.
The programme's test aircraft have completed 1,600 flight hours and over 1,200 contacts during refuelling flights with F-16, F/A-18, AV-8B, C-17, A-10 and KC-10 aircraft.
Jeanette Croppi, Boeing KC-46A tanker test team director, said: 'Adding another tanker will help us to become even more efficient and significantly improve our ability to complete test points going forward.'
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