Close encounter with aerial bomber
Günter Endres
The Boeing KC-767 aerial tanker transport logged a significant milestone at the end of last month when, fitted with a fifth-generation telescopic fly-by-wire boom, it made a series of ‘dry contacts’ with a B-52 bomber assigned to the Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base, California.
The aircraft used was the first of four for the Italian Air Force. The KC-767 has also been ordered by Japan (four) and Boeing is competing for a massive contract to replace the US Air Force KC-135 tanker fleet. The UAE also has a requirement for three aircraft, with both the KC-767 and the Airbus A330MRT believed to be in direct competition for this potential contract.
“Our path forward includes more dry contacts, refuelling a variety of receivers, and testing the entire system,” said Marl McGraw, vice president of Boeing Tanker Programs. “Not only will these milestones help us provide KC-767 tankers to Italy and Japan, they will help Boeing deliver a proven boom and aerial refuelling capability to the US Air Force for its KC-X tanker.”
The new advanced boom can transfer 3,400 litres (900 US gallons) of fuel per minute. As well as providing more precise and responsive controls to the operator, the boom automatically corrects its position to reduce potential damage to the receiver aircraft. The boom has 2,600 fewer parts compared with previous booms, which reduces complexity and makes it easier and quicker to maintain.
Another milestone was reached just before IDEX when the crew successfully extended and retracted the refuelling hose from the centreline hose drum unit (HDU) during a test flight over Kansas. While the US Air Force primarily uses a boom for aerial refuelling, the Italian Air Force, along with the US Navy, Marine Corps and other NATO countries, predominantly use hose and drogue refuelling.
When fully functional, the HDU can offload 2,275 litres (600 US gallons) per minute. The KC-767 is also configured with two wing aerial refuelling pods (WARPs), allowing simultaneous refuelling of multiple aircraft.
The KC-767 has logged more than 220 flights and 660 hours during its flight test programme. Boeing is located on Stand 2800 in the US Pavilion.
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