On August 18, 2016, the United States Air Force awarded Boeing $2.8 billion USD for KC-46A tanker low-rate initial production following the Defense Acquisition Board’s review and an announcement the program completed “Milestone C.”

Two production lots of 7 and 12 aircraft are included in the award along with spare parts. Boeing plans to build 179 refueling aircraft based on the Boeing 767 to replace the Air Force’s KC-135 fleet.

An initial contract was received back in 2011 that permitted Boeing to design and develop the US Air Force’s next tanker aircraft. Four test aircraft were completed out of the contract; two were 767-2Cs and two were KC-46A tankers, and the aircraft have completed more than 1,000 flight hours.

The KC-46 tanker will provide the Air Force unprecedented refueling capabilities, operational flexibility and combat readiness.

— Leanne Caret, Boeing Defense, Space and Security President and CEO

Milestone C includes a set of required ground and flight tests and successful completion of the milestone will lead to an approval for initial production. The tests involved to reach the milestone include refueling flights with the F-16, F/A-18, AV8B, KC-10, C-17, and A-10 as well as a cargo handling demo.

The aircraft are currently being assembled at the Everett, Washington facility, with tankers being delivered to the Air Force in 2017.

Featured photo by Paul Weatherman.