Boeing’s KC-46 tanker programme completed all required supplemental type certificate (STC) flight tests for the US Federal Aviation Administration following a successful refueling and communications flight with a C-17.
Boeing said on 26 April that it plans to now submit the resulting data and reports to the FAA for review.
As part of the testing, a combined team from Boeing and the US Air Force was required to validate the boom and drogue systems for aerial refueling with multiple receiver aircraft, such as the F-16, F/A-18, C-17 and A-10.
The team also had to demonstrate the KC-46 taking on fuel from KC-135, KC-10 and other KC-46 tankers. The aircraft also conducted night and day lighting tests, and tested its defensive systems and avionics.
The KC-46, derived from Boeing’s 767-2C design, 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 USAF.
The FAA must still approve an exemption requested by Boeing before granting the STC. A software flaw discovered earlier this year could in an extreme condition cause an overpressure when the KC-46 is onloading fuel in flight into the centre fuel tank.
The FAA is now seeking comments on Boeing's petition for exemption, but is expected to grant the waiver.
Meanwhile, the USAF is still refusing to accept delivery of Boeing's first 18 KC-45 aircraft until several other deficiencies are resolved.
Despite the pending issues, Boeing says the programme remains on track to complete delivery of the first operational squadron later this year.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
