U.S. Air Force Order 12 Boeing KC-46A Tankers

The next-generation multirole tanker is designed to refuel allied and coalition military aircraft, and will bring new capabilities and operational flexibility to the U.S. Air Force By Joseph Macey / 23 Jan 2021

Discover Leading Defense Technology Solutions

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Boeing_KC-46_Tanker
Follow DA

Boeing has won a $1.7 billion contract from the U.S. Air Force for 12 KC-46A tanker aircraft. With this sixth production lot, Boeing is now on contract for 79 KC-46A tankers.

The company delivered the first KC-46A to the Air Force in January 2019. Since then, Boeing has delivered 42 tankers to four different bases. The next-generation KC-46 brings new capabilities and operational flexibility to the U.S. Air Force and international customers.

“The investments Boeing is making in the KC-46 today will benefit generations of service members,” said Jamie Burgess, Boeing KC-46 tanker vice president and program manager. “I believe the partnership between Boeing and the Air Force will also produce additional KC-46 innovations that will carry the warfighter well into the future.”

Boeing received its first two production lots from the U.S. Air Force, for seven and 12 aircraft, in August 2016. The third lot, for 15 aircraft, was awarded in January 2017; the fourth lot for 18 aircraft in September 2018 and the fifth lot for 15 aircraft in September 2019.

The KC-46A is a multirole tanker designed to refuel allied and coalition military aircraft compatible with international aerial refueling procedures. It’s also equipped to carry passengers, cargo and patients on any mission at any time.

Boeing is assembling KC-46A aircraft at its Everett, Wash. facility where it also continues production of the KC-46 tanker for Japan.

Posted by Joseph Macey Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Annual Hypersonic Innovation Conference Returns for 4th Year

Bringing together top experts in hypersonics and missile defense, the 4th Annual Hypersonic Innovation Conference will explore advancements, technology development, and strategic investments that are paramount to national security

Mar 17, 2025
New Thermal-Visible Camera Modules Now Available

Teledyne FLIR OEM has released new compact, highly sensitive uncooled thermal infrared camera modules that use radiometry to enable pixel-level temperature data collection

Mar 17, 2025
Product Spotlight: XPedite2770 3U VPX FPGA Module

X-ES outlines the capabilities of the XPedite2770, a rugged 3U VPX FPGA module designed for high-performance signal processing and secure data handling in defense applications

Mar 17, 2025
Contract Electronics Manufacturing for Defense & Security

Defense Advancement showcases Offshore Electronics' Contract Electronics Manufacturing (CEM) services for military, defense, and security industries

Mar 17, 2025
Honeywell’s F-35 PTMS Surpasses One Million Flight Hours

Honeywell’s Power and Thermal Management System (PTMS) has surpassed one million flight hours, proving its critical role in the F-35’s performance, safety, and global sustainment

Mar 17, 2025
Counter-Explosive Robots Delivered to Australian Defence Force

Babcock Australasia has delivered advanced Squad Packable Utility Robots to the Australian Defence Force (ADF), enhancing surveillance, soldier protection, and counter-explosive capabilities

Mar 14, 2025

Featured Content

uAvionix Expands Casia G Capabilities for Continuous BVLOS Operations

uAvionix’s Casia G Release 4.0 introduces nighttime aircraft detection, enabling continuous BVLOS UAS operations with FAA approval and enhanced airspace awareness for law enforcement and commercial use

Mar 11, 2025
Trillium EO/IR Payload Integrated with Tactical UAS for Danish Military

Trillium Engineering is equipping AeroVironment’s JUMP 20 UAS with its HD80-MVS-LD gimbal, enhancing ISR operations for the Danish military

Mar 10, 2025
D-Fend Solutions Unveils EnforceAir2 Maritime for Naval Counter-Drone Operations

The EnforceAir2 Maritime by D-Fend Solutions enhances maritime security with RF cyber-based counter-UAS technology, ensuring non-disruptive drone threat mitigation at sea

Mar 04, 2025