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Boeing KC-46 Tanker Program Completes Preliminary Design Review By Eddy Metcalf |
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May 9, 2010 - The Boeing KC-46 Tanker program has
completed a Preliminary Design Review (PDR) with the
U.S. Air Force, a key milestone in the development of
the next-generation aerial refueling tanker.
The review, which began March 21 and ended April 27,
demonstrated that the preliminary design of the KC-46A
Tanker meets system requirements and establishes the
basis for proceeding with detailed design. Boeing
remains on plan to deliver 18 combat-ready KC-46A
Tankers by 2017.
"I'm happy with Boeing's performance. They're
maintaining a very tight focus on meeting commitments
and staying on or ahead of schedule. The program remains
on a good path," said Air Force Maj. Gen. Chris Bogdan,
KC-46 Program executive officer. "This is important news
for the nation's warfighters, because it reaffirms our
commitment to delivering the KC-46A tanker on schedule." |
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The program's next major milestone is a Critical Design Review
(CDR) that will take place in the summer of 2013. The CDR will
determine that the design of the KC-46A is mature and ready to
proceed to the manufacturing phase.
"The KC-46 team is designing an aircraft that will offer
superior, modern multi-role capabilities for the warfighter,
including advanced refueling systems and military avionics, and
the ability to transport cargo, passengers and patients," said
Maureen Dougherty, Boeing KC-46 Tanker vice president and
program manager. "Working closely with our Air Force teammates,
we?ve made tremendous progress in the past 14 months and have
the foundation in place to enter the detailed design phase."
In addition to the successful PDR, the Boeing KC-46 team has
completed several major milestones on or ahead of schedule over
the past year that include a System Requirements Review,
Integrated Baseline Review, 767-2C PDR, and Firm Configuration
Reviews for the 767-2C and the KC-46A Tanker. Boeing will build 179 next-generation aerial refueling tanker aircraft that will begin to replace the Air Force's fleet of 416 KC-135 tankers. Based on the proven Boeing 767 commercial airplane, the KC-46A tanker is a widebody, multi-mission aircraft updated with the latest and most advanced technology to meet the demanding mission requirements of the future, including a digital flight deck featuring Boeing 787 Dreamliner electronic displays and a flight control design philosophy that places aircrews in command to maximize combat maneuverability. |