GUY NORRIS / SEATTLE
Activity on Boeing's KC-767A tanker/transport for the US Air Force is accelerating in anticipation of imminent US Congressional approval for the lease of up to 100 aircraft.
The Congressional Budget Office, however, has warned that the lease will cost $1.3-2 billion more than a purchase, nor does it meet the rules for an operating lease under US government guidelines.
Major wing-join of the first USAF aircraft is scheduled for 12 December, when the aircraft will become the first variant of the 767-200 to be built "in-line" to freighter configuration. Other 767 tankers, including the first for Italy, and four for Japan, are being built as commercial airframes before being flown to Wichita, Kansas, for conversion. Three more Italian aircraft will be converted by Aeronavali in Naples, with first deliveries to the Italian air force to start in late 2005.
Boeing is due this week to issue a request for proposals for USAF tanker auxiliary fuel tanks, with Hawker de Havilland, Marshal Aerospace, PATS and Sargent Fletcher expected to compete. Selection of a winner is expected "before the end of the year", says Boeing 767 tanker programmes vice-president Bob Gower. Seven auxiliary tanks per aircraft will be placed in the forward and aft lower fuselage lobes to increase fuel off-load capacity.
Boeing is also preparing to submit its proposal to Australia by 9 October to meet its requirement for four tankers with one option. "We think we have the lowest risk bid with growth options to meet future smart-tanker, interoperability and autonomous unmanned air vehicles requirements," says Gower. He adds that the UK's tanker decision is still expected "by December".
The first four USAF aircraft are due to be handed over in fiscal year 2006, with 16 in 2007 and 20 a year from 2008 to 2011.
Source: Flight International
