Wants USAF To Buy Its Tanker 

The Boeing Aircraft company practically invented the air-to-air refueling tanker, and it has announced a successful test of its latest model.

The wide-body KC-767 transferred fuel for the first time last week to a simulated aircraft receiver installed on several ground-based trucks.  Boeing reports fuel flow, delivery, and surge pressure were all within specs. The telescoping boom has also been separately flight tested over 400 hours and is said to be more responsive for the operator. It also should be more reliable because it uses 2,600 fewer parts than previous models and can transfer 900 gallons of fly-juice a minute.

"The KC-767 aerial refueling systems exceeded our expectations during these initial ground tests, and we are on track to deliver fuel to various aircraft receivers during flight in the near future," said Mark McGraw, Boeing vice president for Tanker Programs. "The tests also show future customers, like the U.S. Air Force, that Boeing will deliver a proven boom and refueling system for their KC-X Tanker."

The company is already building tankers for the air forces of Japan and Italy. and is in a competition with Airbus to build the US Air Force's next generation tanker aircraft.

Having built nearly 2,000 tankers in its history -- starting with the piston-powered KB-29, KB-50 and KC-97, and then its highly successful jet KC-135 -- Boeing hopes its vast experience passing gas will give it an edge.

FMI: www.boeing.com