KC-30 Can Haul More; KC-767 Smaller, But More Efficient

We've got ourselves a horse race. Less than 24 hours after a team led by Northrop Grumman and EADS formally submitted an A330-derived KC-30 aerial refueling tanker for the US Air Force KC-135 Tanker Replacement Program, Boeing -- as expected -- responded with a bid touting its own 767-based offering.

In its 7,000-page KC-X proposal, Boeing states its KC-767 tanker is uniquely designed for its primary air refueling mission, while also capable of moving cargo, passengers, patients and medical crewmembers. Those are attributes commonly cited in reference to the Northrop/EADS offering, which is based on the Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft.

While the KC-30 is larger than the Boeing plane, which is based on the 767-200 Long Range Freighter...  it is also more expensive.

"The KC-767 Advanced Tanker will do for refueling what the C-17 has done for airlift -- it will revolutionize mobility operations," said James Albaugh, president and CEO, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. "Right-sized to enable access to 1,000 more bases than the KC-135, this robust aircraft allows commanders to deploy more tankers, ensures more booms are in the sky, covers more refueling orbits and offloads more fuel."

Boeing also notes its KC-767 Advanced Tanker will be designed, built and supported by 44,000 Americans and 300 US suppliers -- a direct jab at the KC-30, which will be outfitted in America but sourced from overseas. The American planemaker adds its offering will also save taxpayers nearly $10 billion in fuel costs, compared to the competitor.

In addition to tugging at economic and, arguably, patriotic heartstrings, Boeing is also touting its nearly 75-year history in building and supporting aerial refueling aircraft. 

If selected, Boeing plans to produce the tanker at its facilities in Everett, WA on the existing 767 commercial line. Installation of military refueling systems and flight test activities would take place at the company's finishing center in Wichita, KS.

Boeing's Global Tanker Team producing the KC-767 Advanced Tanker includes Smiths Aerospace, Rockwell Collins, Vought Aircraft Industries, Honeywell, Pratt & Whitney and Spirit AeroSystems. The experienced team has proven expertise in aerial refueling systems, network centric operations, integrated avionics solutions and lean manufacturing concepts.

The KC-767 includes an advanced fly-by-wire boom, new wing refueling pods, a centerline hose drum refueling unit, an advanced commercial digital flight deck and a third-generation remote vision refueling system.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.af.mil