It’s been a long time coming, but Boeing is expected to deliver the first of its KC-36 refueling tankers to the U.S. Air Force by the end of the year, signaling the beginning of a new logistical chain for the aerospace manufacturing giant. In 2011, the Air Force agreed to purchase 179 of the tankers from Boeing, resulting in a massive $49 billion contract. Being that the KC-36 is a new tanker, though, it’s taken Boeing some time to perfect. But it appears that Boeing is finalizing the tanker project, as it’s planning to deliver the first KC-36s to the Air Force before the beginning of 2019.
Codenamed “Pegasus,” the KC-46 was selected as the winner for the Air Force’s tanker competition. The Air Force held this competition some 17 years ago in an effort to find a replacement for its aging KC-135 Stratotankers. While several aerospace companies participated in the competition by providing the Air Force with mock-up designs, Boeing was ultimately selected at the winner. Boeing proposed building the KC-36 by modifying its existing 787s with the appropriate equipment and systems needed for midair refueling operations.
The KC-46 is designed to be a multi-role tanker that can refuel a variety of military aircraft in midair. Reports show that it’s capable of holding up to 212,000 pounds of jet fuel, which is can distribute to other aircraft.
Boeing has encountered several roadblocks when developing the KC-46, however. Specifically, the tanker’s boom hasn’t been working as intended. According to The Drive, early flight tests of the KC-46 found that the refueling component, known as a boom, was scraping the side of the receiving jet. It wasn’t enough force to cause any significant damage — to either aircraft — though it was still a problem that Boeing has to addressed. The good news is that Boeing has apparently worked out these kinks and is now ready to deliver the first of its KC-46 refueling tankers to the Air Force.
Boeing has since reiterated that the KC-46 project is a top priority. “The KC-46 is a top priority for the Boeing Company, and we have the best of Boeing working to ensure the U.S. Air Force gets their tankers as quickly as possible,” said a Boeing spokesperson when discussing the deal.
The unit price for the KC-46 is estimated to be $147.4 million. Boeing will deliver the first of its KC-46 refueling tankers to the Air Force within the coming days, with the remaining tankers being delivered in 2019.
