BOEING HAS announced formally its intention to develop a combined military tanker/transport derivative of its 767, with the aim of securing a launch order from the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF).
It is offering two versions of the Tanker/Tanker Multi-Mission aircraft, based on the 767-200ER and stretched 300ER. Each version would feature a rear fuselage-mounted refueling boom and two under-wing pods for probe-and-drogue refueling. The boom will be operated from the cabin with the aid of an under-fuselage rear-facing camera.
The larger 767-300ER tanker/ transport would have up to seven under-floor fuel tanks, each holding around 4,500litres (990gal). The tanker will be capable of off-loading more than 70,000kg of fuel up to a range of 925km (500nm).
For the transport mission, the aircraft will feature modifications similar to those incorporated in the 767 freighter, including a side cargo- door and reinforced main deck. The aircraft can be configured to carry either 168 passengers, or 16 pallets, and will carry up to 34,000kg of cargo over 9,250km.
Boeing plans to deliver the first 767 tanker/transport 40 months from the time the programme is launched. A launch decision will depend on a "...combination of the number of aircraft ordered and the quality of customer", says Boeing senior vice-president Larry Clarkson.
The company is confident that the 767 will be selected by the Japan Defence Agency (JDA) as its future tanker/transport aircraft and expects approval for funding in fiscal year 1997. The JASDF is understood to have an initial requirement for six-to-eight tankers to support its four 767 airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft and McDonnell Douglas F-15s.
This is likely to increase to 14 tankers, sufficient to cover Japan's northern, southern and western air-defence sectors, say local sources. The JASDF, at the same time, wants to purchase between four and eight more 767 AWACS.
Japan's first four AWACS aircraft, due for delivery in 1998/9, will be equipped with a boom receptacle for air-to-air refueling. Its F-15s have been delivered with plumbing for inflight refueling.
Boeing also hopes to sell the 767 tanker/freighter to Saudi Arabia and possibly South Korea. It is also promoting the 767 as a replacement for the US Air Force's Boeing KC-135s.
Source: Flight International
