EVERETT — Boeing’s KC-46 aerial refueling tanker has successfully shown it can refuel American warplanes, clearing a major requirement for moving into full production.
The tanker, which is still in development, completed the refueling demonstrations Friday when it transferred 1,500 pounds of jet fuel to an A-10 at 15,000 feet. Boeing discovered problems with the KC-46’s refueling boom during the trials. Those appear to have been resolved.
Other problems and setbacks have delayed development of the tanker, which is based on the 767 and is assembled in Everett. Boeing has started low-rate production even though flight tests are still ongoing with five aircraft.
The refueling demonstrations are critical to the Air Force giving the company the go-ahead for production.
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