Next Stop: Edwards AFB

Aero-News has learned that Boeing's entry into the Air Force competition for a next-generation aerial tanker -- the KC-767A -- reached a significant milestone this week when it logged its 100th test flight.

The accomplishment occurred while performing U.S. Federal Aviation Administration certification stall and climb testing in Seattle, WA. To date, the tanker has accumulated about 330 flight hours overall in its flight test program.

"Completing 100 test flights shows great progress toward delivering the world's most advanced aerial refueling tanker," said Mark McGraw, Boeing vice president of Tanker Programs. "The milestones we are achieving and the challenges that we are overcoming in this program will go a long way to helping reduce the risk for future customers."

Next up for the KC-767A is a trip to California's Edwards Air Force Base later this month, for take off performance testing -- followed by in-flight hose/drogue and boom system testing later this summer and fall.

Other aircraft vying for a piece of the air-tanker pie include a version of the Airbus A330, as well as a leasing program by Omega Air Services for up to 60 on-call KC-10s.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.8 billion business.

FMI: www.boeing.com