Aerotech News and Review, Sept. 21 2018
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Boeing awarded $2.9 billion for 4th KC-46A Pegasus tanker production lot
Air Force photograph by Christopher Okula
A KC-46A Pegasus test aircraft touches down at Edwards May 23, 2018, for another round of testing. On Sept. 10, the tanker program received $2.9 billion from the Air Force for 18 aircraft, support equipment, spare engines and wing air refueling pods. Boeing is now on contract for 52 aircraft and plans to build 179 of the 767-based refueling aircraft for the Air Force. The new aerial refueling aircraft is intended to start replacing the Air Force’s aging tanker fleet, which has been refueling aircraft for more than 50 years. Inset: A KC-46A Pegasus prepares for a refueling test.
The U.S. Air Force Sept. 10 awarded Boeing a $2.9 billion contract for 18 KC-46A Pegasus tanker aircraft, spares, support equipment, spare engines and wing air refueling pod kits.
With this fourth production lot, Boeing now is on contract for 52 KC-46 tankers.
Boeing received its first two production lots, for 7 and 12 aircraft, in August 2016. The third lot, for 15 aircraft, was awarded in January 2017.
“We’re excited to partner with the Air Force on an aircraft that will provide its fleet un-
matched capabilities and versatility,” said Mike Gibbons, Boeing KC-46A tanker vice president and program manager. “This is another big mile- stone for the team and we look forward to de- livering this next-generation, multi-role tanker for years to come.”
Boeing plans to build 179 of the 767-based refueling aircraft for the Air Force to replace its legacy tanker fleet. Tanker deliveries are ex- pected to begin later this year.
Boeing received an initial contract in 2011 to design and develop the Air Force’s newest
tanker aircraft. The KC-46A is a multirole tank- er that can refuel all allied and coalition mili- tary aircraft compatible with international aerial refueling procedures and can carry passengers, cargo and patients.
On July 6, 2018, the KC-46 Pegasus program achieved an important milestone with comple- tion of the final flight tests required for first air- craft delivery planned in late October.
“With this milestone complete, the test pro- gram has demonstrated a level of maturity that positions Boeing to deliver, and the Air Force to
accept, an aircraft by the end of October 2018,” said Dr. Will Roper, the Air Force service ac- quisition executive.
The KC-46 test program is now transitioning to follow-on receiver aircraft testing and certifi- cations required for operational testing starting in 2019.
Flight testing of the KC-46 has been ongoing at numerous locations, including Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
Boeing is assembling KC-46 aircraft at its Everett, Wash., facility.
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