Italian Tanker Tops Off Second Refueler

A Boeing aerial refueling aircraft built for the Italian Air Force transferred fuel to another Italian KC-767 during a December 17 flight test over northern Kansas, marking the first time a KC-767 tanker has been refueled by another aircraft.

During the flight test, Boeing aircrews made seven contacts and transferred more than 10,000 pounds of fuel using the Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) system located on top of the aircraft, behind the cockpit.

Boeing has two KC-767s in flight test for the Italian Air Force while building two additional tankers for the customer. The Italian tankers feature an advanced aerial refueling boom with a remote aerial refueling operator (RARO) station, as well as wing pod and centerline hose-and-drogue systems.

As ANN has reported, the KC-767 was one of two competitors in the ongoing KC-X bid to supply the US Air Force with a replacement to its aging KC-135 fleet. Following a contentious, prolonged bidding process, the Department of Defense scrubbed this year's competition -- the second time that decision has been delayed. 

FMI: www.boeing.com/ids