Boeing’s KC-767 tankers added to "active" wing in Japan’s AF

Published 10:15 am Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Three Boeing KC-767 tankers have been placed in an active air wing in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, the aerospace company announced Tuesday.

Boeing delivered two tankers to Japan last year and one earlier in 2009. After a technical evaluation that lasted a year, Japan’s Ministry of Defense deemed the Boeing tankers “operational” in April.

“These wide-body KC-767Js are now providing the JASDF with its own aerial refueling capability for the first time in history, while improving its ability to deliver passengers or cargo,” said Dave Bowman, vice president and general manager of Boeing Tanker Programs, in a statement.

Boeing still has one more KC-767 tanker to deliver to Japan this year. The company struggled to deliver Japan’s first 767 tanker, falling far behind schedule after failing inititally to meet certifications that Japan required.

Italy also has four KC-767 tankers on order with Boeing. The first Italian tanker will be delivered this year, Boeing said.

The KC-767 is based off Boeing’s Everett-assembled 767 commercial jet. The company likely will offer the KC-767 to the U.S. Air Force for a multi-billion tanker competition with Northrop Grumman and its partner EADS. The U.S. Air Force plans to kick off the contest this summer, marking the agency’s third attempt to replace its KC-135 tankers.