Boeing’s KC-767 tanker recently completed the first test for its fly-by-wire boom telescoping tube, the company announced Thursday. This tanker, which has surpassed 400 flight hours, is destined for Italy. Boeing officials have said that they plan to offer the larger 777 to the US Air Force for its KC-X tanker competition. They believe it more accurately matches USAF’s stated requirements. However, plans to close the 767 line were tabled because sales have picked up.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.