TANKER AIRCRAFT
KC-46
Under development
_ The United States Air Force (USAF)
KC-46A is a tanker aircraft derived from the Boeing 767 wide-body airliner and
has been designed as the replacement for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The aircraft
has been designed to meet the USAF's needs for transport of fuel, cargo,
passengers and patients. Boeing's NewGen Tanker, now KC-46A, was announced as
the winner for the KC-X tanker replacement program on February 24, 2011.
The KC-46A multi-mission tanker aircraft will be powered by two Pratt & Whiteny PW4062 turbofan engines and . The aircraft will also include state-of-the-art systems, including a digital flight deck featuring Boeing 787 Dreamliner electronic displays and a flight control design philosophy that places aircrews in command rather than allowing computer software to limit combat maneuverability. Besides, the KC-46A will feature an advanced KC-10 boom with an expanded refueling envelope, increased fuel offload rate and fly-by-wire control system.
The KC-46A multi-mission tanker aircraft will be powered by two Pratt & Whiteny PW4062 turbofan engines and . The aircraft will also include state-of-the-art systems, including a digital flight deck featuring Boeing 787 Dreamliner electronic displays and a flight control design philosophy that places aircrews in command rather than allowing computer software to limit combat maneuverability. Besides, the KC-46A will feature an advanced KC-10 boom with an expanded refueling envelope, increased fuel offload rate and fly-by-wire control system.
KC-767
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The KC-767 is a derivative of proven
Boeing 767 commercial transport designed to perform tanker and transport
missions. It is equipped with both the boom-and-receptacle and the
hose-and-drogue aerial refueling systems which will enable the KC-767 to refuel
all US and allied nations aircraft.
The first Boeing KC-767A tanker transport aircraft, one of four aircraft ordered by Italy, was unveiled at Boeing's facility in Wichita, Kansas, on February 24, 2005. This aircraft underwent structural modifications to conduct air refueling and tactical transport missions in support of the Italian Air Force beginning in April 2006, when the aircraft is expected to be delivered after completing flight testing and certification.
The first Boeing KC-767A tanker transport aircraft, one of four aircraft ordered by Italy, was unveiled at Boeing's facility in Wichita, Kansas, on February 24, 2005. This aircraft underwent structural modifications to conduct air refueling and tactical transport missions in support of the Italian Air Force beginning in April 2006, when the aircraft is expected to be delivered after completing flight testing and certification.
KC-130J Super Hercules
_The C-130J Hercules II is the latest and most advanced derivative of the
proven C-130 cargo aircraft and will replace ageing C-130Es aircraft.
It incorporates state-of-the-art technology to reduce manpower
requirements, operating, support, and life cycle costs over current
C-130s. The J model also features improved manoeuvrability and handling,
shorter runaways needs for taking off and landing than previous models.
The new turboprops AE 2100D3 engines with 6 blades are one of the keys
of the C-130J improved performance.