Boeing Wins Next-Generation Refueling Tanker Contract for USAF

KC-135 Aerial Refueling - credit Boeing

The U.S. Air Force has awarded Boeing a contract to build the next-generation in aerial refueling tanker aircraft. The new aircraft will replace 179 of the 400 KC-135 tankers which are currently used by the Air Force.

“We’re honored to be given the opportunity to build the Air Force’s next tanker and provide a vital capability to the men and women of our armed forces,” said Jim McNerney, Boeing chairman, president and CEO. “Our team is ready now to apply our 60 years of tanker experience to develop and build an airplane that will serve the nation for decades to come.”

Under the terms of the contract, the Boeing team will deliver the first 18 aircraft, designated KC-46A tankers, by 2017. The design for the new tanker is based on the Boeing 767 aircraft used for commercial passenger service today. The widebody design of the KC-46A allows the aircraft to support a variety of mission types including cargo, passengers, patients, and of course air-to-air refueling. The cockpit will feature the same state-of-the-art systems and displays as the new 787 Dreamliner from Boeing.

The contract award is also a big win for the U.S. job market. Boeing estimates that the KC-46A contract will support approximately 50,000 U.S. jobs within the company and jobs at more than 800 suppliers across about 40 states.