U.S. Air Force Awards Boeing $16.8 Million Contract for KC-46A Enhancements
The U.S. Air Force has awarded Boeing a $16.8 million contract for software and data enhancements to the KC-46A, the world’s most advanced multi-mission tanker. These upgrades will further advance the mission readiness and performance envelope of the aircraft.
The contract includes significant upgrades to the Onboard Performance Tool software, aimed at expediting mission launch. Specific improvements will enhance efficient cargo loading and optimize takeoff and landing data management for flight planning. These enhancements will enable aircrews to complete weight and balance calculations more efficiently, allowing for quicker aircraft loading and mission starts.
“The U.S. Air Force and allies are performing crucial global missions with the growing KC-46A tanker fleet and finding ways to extract more capability from the platform,” said Lynn Fox, KC-46 Vice President and Program Manager. “We’re collaborating to integrate enhancements like these and bring additional capabilities to the battlespace as rapidly as possible to meet the evolving needs of the mission.”
Ongoing Upgrades
In 2023, the Air Force awarded Boeing a Block 1 upgrade contract, which further enhanced the KC-46A’s advanced communications, data connectivity, and situational awareness, providing an operational advantage in contested environments.
Increased Capabilities
The KC-46A boasts impressive capabilities compared to the KC-135 aircraft fleet it is replacing. It can carry three times more cargo pallets, up to twice as many passengers, and over 30% more aeromedical evacuation patients.
Delivery and Deployment
To date, Boeing has delivered 84 KC-46As to the U.S. Air Force and four to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, supporting crucial global missions and enhancing operational capabilities for both forces.
Related news: https://airguide.info/?s=KC-46
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