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.
The Air Force is seeking funding to let its pilots fly a little more than 1.1 million hours in fiscal 2027, which would be the most in about four years. But even if Airmen actually do fly all 1.1 million hours, it would still be short of the 1.3 million…