The first KC-46 tanker for the U.S. Air Force takes off from Paine Field in Everett, Washington,
on its maiden flight. (Photo by Marian Lockhart)
The first Boeing KC-46A tanker to be delivered to the U.S. Air Force in 2018 completed its first flight and airborne tests, taking off from Paine Field on Dec. 5, 2017, and landing approximately three-and-one-half hours later.
During the flight, Boeing test pilots took the tanker to a maximum altitude of 39,000ft and performed operational checks on engines, flight controls, and environmental systems as part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved flight profile. Prior to subsequent flights, the team will conduct a post-flight inspection and calibrate instrumentation.
The KC-46A tanker still must complete FAA certification before delivery.
The newest tanker is the KC-46 program’s seventh aircraft to fly to date. The previous six are being used for testing and certification and to date have completed 2,200 flight hours and more than 1,600 refueling contacts in flight with F-16, F/A-18, AV-8B, C-17, A-10, KC-10, and KC-46 aircraft.
The KC-46, derived from Boeing’s commercial 767 airframe, is built in the company’s Everett, Washington, facility. Boeing is currently on contract for the first 34 of an expected 179 tankers for the U.S. Air Force.
The KC-46A multirole tanker can refuel allied and coalition military aircraft compatible with international aerial refueling procedures and can carry passengers, cargo, and patients.