Boeing’s KC-46 next-generation aerial refuelling tanker programme has successfully completed a preliminary design review (PDR) with the US Air Force (USAF), marking a milestone in the development of the tanker.
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During the review, conducted between 21 March and 27 April 2012, the preliminary design of the tanker met system requirements paving the way to for a critical design review (CDR) to take place.
Maureen Dougherty, Boeing KC-46 Tanker vice president and program manager, said: "Working closely with our Air Force teammates, we’ve made tremendous progress in the past 14 months, and have the foundations in place to enter the detailed design phase.
"The KC-46 team is designing an aircraft that will offer superior, modern multi-role capabilities, including advanced refuelling systems and military avionics, and the ability to transport cargo, passengers and patients."
Prior to PDR, the Boeing KC-46 team had completed a system requirements review, integrated baseline review, 767-2C PDR, and firm configuration reviews for the 767-2C and the KC-46A tanker over the past year.
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By GlobalDataA CDR will be conducted to determine whether the KC-46A design is ready to enter the manufacturing phase, which will take place in the summer of 2013.
The KC-46A is a military aerial refuelling and strategic transport aircraft developed by Boeing. The KC-46A aircraft will gradually replace the aging fleet of 176 KC-135E Stratotanker aircraft as the air force’s primary refueller.
The tanker is based on the Boeing 767 commercial airplane, and features a modernised KC-10 boom with a fly-by-wire control system, Boeing 787 Dreamliner electronic displays and a flight control design to maximise combat manoeuvrability.
Boeing is under a contract to deliver 18 KC-46 refuelling aircraft by 2017 as part of the KC-135 replacement programme, which will continue until 2028, with the initial flight of the first aircraft scheduled for late 2014.
Image: The KC-46A has a greater refuelling envelope and fuel offload rate than that of the existing KC-135. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.
