EVERETT, Wash., the USA (BulgarianMilitary.com), 12 September 2018, Editor: Galina Zdravkova, Photo credit: Boeing

On 10 September 2018 the U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $2.9 billion contract for 18 KC-46A tanker aircraft, spares, support equipment, spare engines and wing air refuelling pod kits. With the new fourth production lot, the company is on contract for 52 KC-46 tankers as of the moment, learned BulgarianMilitary.com

The first two production lots, for 7 and 12 aircraft, were received by Boeing in August 2016, and the third lot, for 15 aircraft – in January 2017.

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Boeing KC-46A tanker vice president and program manager Mike Gibbons commented, “We are excited to partner with the Air Force on an aircraft that will provide its fleet unmatched capabilities and versatility. This is another big milestone for the team and we look forward to delivering this next-generation, multi-role tanker for years to come.”

Read more: Boeing Enhances Its Position as a Leading Fleet Services Provider in Australia

The company plans to build 179 of the 767-based refuelling planes for the Air Force for replacing its legacy tanker fleet. The deliveries of the tankers are scheduled to start later in 2018.

The KC-46A is a multirole tanker that can refuel all allied and coalition military aircraft compatible with international aerial refuelling procedures. It is developed for carrying cargo, passengers, and patients.

Read more: Boeing Will Sustain the AH-64 Apache and CH-47 Chinook Helicopters of the RNAF

The initial contract for the design and development of the newest tanker aircraft of the Air Force was received by Boeing in 2011.

Read more: The MQ-25 of Boeing for the US Navy Will Be Equipped with Rolls-Royce Engines

The KC-46 aircraft of Boeing is being assembled at the facility of the company in Everett, Washington.

About Boeing Defence, Space & Security

Boeing Defence, Space & Security is a global organization providing solutions for the design, production, modification, service and support of commercial derivatives, military rotorcraft, satellites, human space exploration and autonomous systems. Its portfolio includes KC-46 aerial refueling aircraft, based on the Boeing 767 commercial airplane; AH-64 Apache helicopter; the 702 family of satellites; CST-100 Starliner spacecraft; and the autonomous Echo Voyager.

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