"I will have a lot of number two and ... number
three priorities, but my number one priority ...
is to successfully get through the critical
design review next year." The
aircraft configuration will advance, Thompson
explained, from the commercial Boeing model
767-200ER aircraft to a Boeing model 767-2C
Provisioned Freighter variant before final
modification into a military certified KC-46
tanker, Thompson explained.
Select design features will allow the aircraft
to carry out its "multi-role capabilities,"
including cargo transportation, passenger
transportation and patient transportation (in
addition to its primary role of aerial
refueling)," Thompson added.
The KC-46 aircraft features an improved
refueling system with 212,000 pounds of fuel
delivery capabilities, capability to receive
fuel in flight, 65,000 pounds of cargo carrying
capability, passenger aero-medical capabilities,
and engines each producing 62,000 pounds of
thrust.
"Our goal is one program, one plan," Thompson
said. "We are actually bending metal on this
aircraft -- it is not just a paper design
anymore." Currently, testing has
begun for the KC-46. Testing to date includes
live fire and system integration lab testing.
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