Boeing KC-767
|
|
| KC-767 Tanker Transport | ||
|---|---|---|
 767-200 - basis for KC-767TT | ||
| Description | ||
| Role | Air-to-air refueling | |
| Crew | 2 Pilots & AAR operator | |
| Unit cost | Undisclosed | |
| Primary contractor | Boeing Integrated Defense Systems | |
| Date Deployed | 2004 | |
| Inventory | ||
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 159 ft 2 in | 48.5 m |
| Wingspan (to winglet tips) | 156 ft 1 in | 47.6m |
| Height | 52 ft | 15.8 m |
| Cargo | 2,875 ft³ | 81.4 m³ |
| Weights | ||
| Dry | lb | 85,595 kg |
| Loaded | lb | 128,870 kg |
| Max. peace-time take-off Weight | lb | 186,880kg |
| Powerplant | ||
| Engines | Two GE CF6-80C2 turbofan engines | |
| Thrust | 63,500 lbf each | 282 kN each |
| Engines | Two P&W PW4000 turbofan engines | |
| Thrust | 62,000 lbf each | 275 kN each |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | kt | Mach 0.86 |
| Ferry range | 9,250 km / Global, with in-flight refueling | |
| Service ceiling | 40,100 ft | m |
The Boeing KC-767 is a next generation military aerial refueling and strategic transport aircraft developed primarily for the USAF from the Boeing 767-200.
Boeing received the first order for the 767 Tanker Transport from Italy in 2001 for four aircraft. The company had further success when the Japanese Air Self Defense Force selected the KC-767, again for four aircraft and to be fitted an advanced air-refueling boom. A lease arrangement whereby Boeing would lease around 100 aircraft to the USAF has become stalled in political controversy.
Questions were asked initially about the requirement to begin replacement of the KC-135 fleet however development proceeded, the current arguments have had a more profound affect on the project. In December 2003 Boeing CEO Phil Condit resigned in an attempt to draw a line under the "distractions and controversies of the past year" - these distractions took the form of allegations that Boeing finance officer Mike Sears negotiated the recruitment of an air force procurement official while she was still working at the Pentagon.
Boeing, teamed with BAE Systems and British Airways, offered the KC-767 to the UK's RAF for its Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft. The Ministry of Defence announced in January 2004 that it had selected the Airbus A330 MRTT to fulfil this requirement. Australia selected the A330, again in competition with the KC-767 in April 2004. While the Airbus does have an overall higher specification than the 767 it seems likely that complications over the USAF deal have dissuaded potential customers who would have liked to purchase the KC-767. It is reported that the RAAF was concerned about the possibility of funding full development that would otherwise be shared with the USAF.
Links
- Boeing Integrated Defense Systems (http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/aerospace/tankers/flash.html)
- GlobalSecurity.org (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/kc-767.htm)
|
Lists of Aircraft | Aircraft manufacturers | Aircraft engines | Aircraft engine manufacturers Airports | Airlines | Air forces | Aircraft weapons | Missiles | Timeline of aviation |