KC-767
Japan Air Self-Defense Force KC-767J
Role Tanker/transport
National origin United States
Manufacturer Boeing Integrated Defense Systems
First flight 21 May 2005
Status In service
Primary users US Air Force (unused)

Italian Air Force
Japan Air Self-Defense Force
Colombian Aerospace Force

Produced 2003–present
Number built 9 (8 originally built, 1 converted)[1]
Developed from Boeing 767
Developed into Boeing KC-46 Pegasus

The Boeing KC-767 is a military aerial refueling tanker and transport aircraft developed from the Boeing 767-200ER. The tanker received the designation KC-767A, after being selected by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) initially to replace older KC-135Es. In December 2003, the contract was frozen and later canceled due to corruption allegations.

The tanker was developed for the Italian and Japanese air forces, who ordered four tankers each. Financing of the development of the aircraft has largely been borne by Boeing, in the hope of receiving major orders from the USAF. Boeing's revised KC-767 proposal to the USAF was selected in February 2011 for the KC-X program under the designation KC-46.

Development

Commercial Derivative Air Refueling Aircraft

At the start of the 2000s a considerable and sudden increase in their maintenance costs was leading the U.S. Air Force to run a procurement program for the replacement of around 100 of its oldest KC-135E Stratotankers. Most USAF KC-135s are of the updated KC-135R variant.

In early 2002 the USAF began negotiations with Boeing on the lease of tankers based on the Boeing 767 after it considered the Airbus A330-based tanker, the KC-330, to be more costly and a higher technical risk.[2] The USAF said that an assessment of the two types "shows that the EADS offering presents a higher-risk technical approach and less preferred financial arrangement". It also said that the larger KC-330 "does not bring with it a commensurate increase in available air-refuelling offload".[2]

In addition, the KC-767 has manual flight controls with an unrestricted flight envelope.[3] The Boeing tanker officially received the KC-767A designation from the U.S. DoD in 2002 and that appeared in the 2004 edition of the DoD Model Designation report.[4]

USAF lease, cancellation and re-award

For its Commercial Derivative Air Refueling Aircraft program, the USAF decided to lease around 100 KC-767 tankers from Boeing after it was selected.[5] Despite other nations engaging in leasing of military aircraft, there was some criticism. U.S. Senator John McCain questioned whether it is really cost-effective for the USAF to lease aircraft at all, particularly as the aircraft would probably not have many, if any, buyers when their U.S. military service ended. The Congressional Budget Office has also criticized the draft leasing agreement as fiscally irresponsible. In November 2003, a compromise was struck whereby the Air Force would purchase 80 KC-767 aircraft and lease 20 more.[6][7]

In December 2003, the Pentagon announced the project was to be frozen while an investigation of allegations of corruption by one of its former procurement staffers, Darleen Druyun (who had moved to Boeing in January) was undertaken. Reporter Joseph L. Galloway wrote that some documents found in congressional investigation indicated the A330-based tanker met more of the USAF specifications than the Boeing tanker and had a lower proposed cost.[8][9] Druyun pleaded guilty and was sentenced to nine months in jail for "negotiating a job with Boeing at the same time she was involved in contracts with the company".[10] Additional fallout included the termination of Boeing CFO Michael M. Sears, who was sentenced to four months in prison in 2005, and the resignation of Boeing CEO Philip M. Condit.[11][12] The Air Force's KC-767A contract was officially canceled by the DoD in January 2006.[13]

International acquisitions

A KC-767A of the Aeronautica Militare refueling a USAF B-52H, 2007.

Italy

Boeing continued development of the aircraft. Italy selected the KC-767A and signed a contract in 2002 becoming the launch customer, with delivery set for 2005. The Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare) ordered four aircraft. This version is based on the 767-200ER and is named the KC-767 Tanker Transport, and is fitted with boom and hose-drogue refueling systems on the centerline with hose-drogue wingpod systems.[14]

Italy's aircraft became the first KC-767 to be assembled. The aircraft were initially built as 767-200ER commercial airplanes, then flown to a separate facility for conversion into tankers. Italy's first aircraft made its maiden flight on 21 May 2005.[15] Italy's second aircraft arrived for modification at the facility of Boeing's partner, Aeronavali, in Naples, Italy, on 6 May 2005.[16]

Delivery of the tankers to the Italian Air Force was delayed due to an issue with flutter of the wing pods and other technical issues. Boeing provided a 767 for training during this time.[17] After resolving the issues, Boeing delivered the first KC-767 in January,[18] and the second in March 2011.[19] These aircraft officially entered service on 17 May 2011 with the 14º Stormo.[19][20] After entering service, the two KC-767s have supported NATO operations in Afghanistan and Libya.[21] The final two tankers were delivered in late 2011.[22]

Japan

A KC-767J of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, 2010

In 2001, Japan selected the KC-767 over the Airbus A310 MRTT and signed a contract in 2003.[23] The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) ordered four aircraft and has designated the tanker KC-767J. In June 2005, Japan's first aircraft arrived at Boeing's Wichita, Kansas modification center to be fitted out with the tanker equipment.[24]

Delivery of the first KC-767J for the JASDF was delayed approximately two years due to development issues and the addition of the aircraft receiving FAA certification. The Japanese version of the tanker is equipped only with the boom refueling system. Boeing and its Japanese representative Itochu agreed with Japan Ministry of Defense (MoD) to pay a penalty fee for the delivery delay, according to the MoD Statement.[25] The first operational KC-767J was delivered to the JASDF on 19 February 2008,[26] with the second KC-767J following on 5 March.[27] The third KC-767 was delivered to the JASDF in March 2009. The three KC-767J aircraft reached initial operational capability (IOC) status with the JASDF in May 2009.[28] The fourth tanker was delivered in January 2010.[29] The aircraft are operated out of Komaki Air Base by 404th Tactical Airlift Tanker Squadron.

Civilian 767 conversions

An IAI-converted KC-767 MMTT, operated by the Colombian Aerospace Force.

As a low-cost alternative for nations unable to purchase new-build AAR tankers, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) developed a variant of the KC-767, designated as the KC-767 Multi Mission Tanker Transport (MMTT).[30] Designed as a cost-effective option against the KC-46 and the A330 MRTT, the KC-767 MMTT involves the conversion of pre-owned Boeing 767s into aerial tankers by the Bedek Aviation Group, a subsidiary of IAI.[31] It is configured to suit the necessities of the customer, with multiple capabilities - including cargo tansport, VIP transport, aerial refueling and ISR.[31]

As part of its capabilities, the KC-767 MMTT incorporates a special cargo door, built-in cargo pallet capabilities, interchangeable passenger seats and operator consoles, ARP3 wing refueling pods and a fly-by-wire boom refueling system.[31] As part of the conversion process, a significant proportion of the structure, wiring and systems of the aircraft are replaced, upgraded or refurbished, tailored to the customer's specific requirements.[30]

According to Bedek, the KC-767 MMTT has a maximum takeoff weight of 400,000 lb (180,000 kg) and a maximum fuel load of 159,800–200,000 lb (72,500–90,700 kg), with the capacity to support 13 Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters on missions with a range of 1,000 nmi (1,900 km; 1,200 mi).[32]

The first KC-767 MMTT, converted from a Boeing 767-200ER platform formerly operated by Air China, was tested in 2010; the converted tanker successfully demonstrated the aerial refueling of an IAI Kfir C10 fighter during a 3.5 hour test flight.[33]

Colombia

In 2008, IAI was contracted to convert a secondhand Boeing 767-200ER, into an AAR tanker which would also serve as VIP transport, for the Colombian Air Force.[34] The converted aircraft, nicknamed "Jupiter" (FAC-1202), was successfully tested in September 2010, and was delivered in November 2010.[35] Colombia's KC-767 MMTT supported US Navy EA-18G Growlers during Exercise Red Flag 19-2 in March 2019.[36]

India

In April 2022, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and IAI signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to convert six pre-owned civilian aircraft into AAR tankers/freighter aircraft, for the Indian Air Force (IAF).[37] Although the specifications of the selected aircraft are yet to be divulged, Indian representatives have stated that the aircraft likely to be procured for the IAF is the KC-767 MMTT.[38][39]

Former interests

Australia

Australia selected the Airbus A330 MRTT in April 2004 after competition with the KC-767 due to the A330's larger fuel and cargo capability.[40] [41]

United Kingdom

Boeing, teamed with BAE Systems and British Airways, offered the KC-767 to the UK's RAF for its Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft. The companies formed the Tanker Transport Services Consortium (TTSC). British Airways would provide the 767 aircraft, Boeing would provide the conversion technology based on its KC-767 tanker design and BAE Systems would perform the majority of aircraft modifications. Marshall Aerospace, Serco, Spectrum, and Capital were also part of TTSC. The Ministry of Defence announced in January 2004 that it had selected the Airbus A330 MRTT to fulfill this requirement.[42]

Republic of Korea

The KC-767 was to compete with the A330 MRTT for the Republic of Korea Air Force's procurement of four tanker aircraft.[43] In June 2015, South Korea selected the A330 MRTT over the KC-46 for the procurement.[44]

Brazil

In 2013, the Brazilian Air Force Command (FAB) selected IAI to provide two KC-767-300ER MMTT tankers, under its KC-X2 procurement initiative.[45] However, a contract for the supply of the two aircraft was never finalised, and the project was ultimately abandoned.[46]

USAF KC-X program

On 24 February 2011, Boeing's KC-767 proposal was selected by the USAF as the winning offer to replace part of the KC-135 fleet.[47][48] The aircraft received the designation KC-46A.[49] Boeing was awarded an initial development contract to build and deliver 18 operational tankers by 2017.[50]

Operational history

Flight testing

A JASDF boom operator simulates refueling an F-15 in a KC-10A simulator at Travis AFB, 2006.

On 23 January 2007, the KC-767 flight test aircraft set a program milestone by making its first hookup with a receiver aircraft, a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress. The "dry contact" transferred no fuel, but was intended to test the tanker's fifth-generation fly-by-wire telescoping boom. Unlike the KC-135 boom operator, who is prone, the KC-767 operator uses a remote station with a video display. The testing was being done at Edwards Air Force Base, and the test aircraft was destined for Italy once testing was complete.[51]

The KC-767 extended its air refueling boom and transferred fuel to another aircraft for the first time on 5 March 2007.[52] The tanker completed another test milestone on 12 April 2007 when its aircrew successfully extended and retracted both wing refueling hoses.[53] In November 2007, Boeing decided to shift modification work on the KC-767A tankers for Italy and Japan from subcontractor Aeronavali's facility in Italy to Boeing's Wichita facility in an effort to meet delivery schedules.[54]

Variants

Boeing KC-767 variants

KC-767A
Tanker variant of the 767-200 originally for the United States Air Force; order cancelled. Four similar aircraft built for the Italian Air Force.
KC-767J
Designation for the KC-767A built for the Japan Air Self Defence Force, four built.
KC-46A
Tanker variant of the 767-2C for the U.S. Air Force.

Converted Boeing 767 variants

KC-767 MMTT
Multi-purpose tanker/cargo transport variant derived from the conversion of pre-owned Boeing 767s, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).[31]
KC-X2
Designation for IAI-converted Boeing 767-300ER, intended for the Brazilian Air Force; now abandoned.[55][56]

Operators

 Italy
 Japan
 Colombia

Specifications (KC-767)

External image
Boeing KC-767 cutaway
image icon Hi-res cutaway of the Boeing KC-767A by Flight Global.

Data from KC-767A,[58] and Boeing 767-200ER specifications[59]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 3: 2 pilots, 1 boom operator
  • Capacity: up to 200 passengers or 19 463L pallets
  • Length: 159 ft 2 in (48.5 m)
  • Wingspan: 156 ft 1 in (47.6 m)
  • Height: 52 ft 0 in (15.8 m)
  • Empty weight: 181,610 lb (82,377 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 395,000 lb (186,880 kg)
  • Maximum Fuel Load: 160,660 lb (72,877 kg)
  • Powerplant: 2 × GE CF6-80C2 turbofan, 60,200 lbf (268 kN) thrust each

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 570 mph (915 km/h, 500 kn) Mach 0.86
  • Cruise speed: 530 mph (851 km/h, 460 kn) Mach 0.80
  • Range: 7,600 mi (12,200 km, 6,385 nmi) ; global with in flight refueling[58]
  • Service ceiling: 40,100 ft (12,200 m)

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

  1. ↑ "KC-767 Aerial Refuelling Tanker/Transport Aircraft". AirForce Technology. 5 December 2022. Archived from the original on 27 December 2023.
  2. 1 2 Warwick, Graham (9 April 2002). "USAF rules out 'higher-risk' EADS tanker proposal and opts for 767". FlightGlobal. Archived from the original on 19 October 2021.
  3. ↑ "Boeing to Offer NewGen Tanker to US Air Force". Boeing. 4 March 2010. Archived from the original on 5 October 2023.
  4. ↑ "Model Designation of Military Aerospace Vehicles" (PDF). Executive Services Directorate. 12 May 2004. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 November 2023.
  5. ↑ Tirpak, John A. (1 August 2003). "100 Tankers". Air & Space Forces Magazine. Archived from the original on 28 May 2023.
  6. ↑ Tirpak, John A. (1 February 2004). "Tanker Twilight Zone". Air & Space Forces Magazine. Archived from the original on 21 April 2023.
  7. ↑ Lunsford, J. Lynn; Jaffe, Greg (7 November 2003). "Pentagon Sets Compromise On Boeing Tanker-Lease Deal". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 10 January 2004. Retrieved 10 January 2004.
  8. ↑ Galloway, Joseph L. (28 March 2004). "Air Force Allowed Boeing to Rewrite Terms of Tanker Contract, Documents Show". Common Dreams. Archived from the original on 25 September 2012.
  9. ↑ Galloway, Joseph L. (31 March 2004). "Air Force Let Boeing Rewrite Contract". military.com. Archived from the original on 14 June 2004.
  10. ↑ Cahlink, George (1 October 2004). "Ex-Pentagon procurement executive gets jail time". Govexec.com. Archived from the original on 8 November 2022. Retrieved 21 December 2006.
  11. ↑ Holmes, Stanley (15 December 2003). "Boeing: What Really Happened". Bloomberg. Archived from the original on 25 June 2020.
  12. ↑ Pae, Peter (18 February 2005). "Ex-Boeing CFO gets jail for tanker scandal". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on 17 April 2023.
  13. ↑ Majumdar, Dave (24 February 2011). "Boeing wins KC-X tanker battle". Air Force Times. Archived from the original on 21 July 2012.
  14. ↑ "Boeing, Italian MoD Sign Contract for 767 Tanker Transportss". Boeing. 11 December 2002. Archived from the original on 31 May 2023.
  15. ↑ "Boeing Built First Italian Air Force KC-767 Tanker Makes First Flight". Boeing. 21 May 2005. Archived from the original on 3 February 2007.
  16. ↑ "Italy KC-767 Tanker #2 Arrives in Naples for Modifications". Boeing. 6 May 2023. Archived from the original on 3 October 2023.
  17. ↑ Peruzzi, Luca (8 April 2009). "Italian budget crunch threatens AMX fleet". FlightGlobal. Archived from the original on 10 January 2024.
  18. ↑ Cenciotti, David (23 February 2011). "Introducing the Italian Air Force Boeing KC-767A". The Aviationist. Archived from the original on 2 October 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  19. 1 2 3 "Boeing KC-767 Tankers for Italian Air Force Formally Enter into Service". Boeing. 17 May 2011. Archived from the original on 3 October 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  20. ↑ "14º Stormo". Aeronautica Militare - Ministero della Difesa. Archived from the original on 8 July 2016. Retrieved 23 May 2019.
  21. ↑ "Tanker used against Gadhafi". military.com. 7 November 2011. Archived from the original on 18 December 2019.
  22. ↑ "Boeing Reports Fourth-Quarter Deliveries". Boeing. 5 January 2012. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023.
  23. ↑ "Boeing, Japan Sign 767 Tanker Transport Contract". Boeing. 4 April 2003. Archived from the original on 3 October 2023.
  24. ↑ "First Boeing 767 Aircraft for Japan Tanker Program Arrives in Wichita". Boeing. 8 June 2005. Archived from the original on 7 February 2023.
  25. ↑ "KC－767空中給油・輸送機の納入遅延について" [Delayed delivery of KC-767 aerial refuelling and transport aircraft]. Japanese Ministry of Defense (in Japanese). 16 March 2007. Archived from the original on 6 April 2009.
  26. ↑ "Boeing Delivers First KC-767 Tanker to Japan". Boeing. 19 February 2008. Archived from the original on 11 January 2024.
  27. ↑ "Boeing Delivers 2nd KC-767 Tanker to Japan". Boeing. 5 March 2008. Archived from the original on 11 January 2024.
  28. 1 2 "Boeing KC-767J Aerial Refueling Tankers Join Active Air Wing in Japan". Boeing. 26 May 2009. Archived from the original on 27 September 2023.
  29. ↑ "Boeing Delivers 4th KC-767 Tanker to Japan Ministry of Defense". Boeing. 12 January 2010. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023.
  30. 1 2 "KC-46 Tanker". Global Security. Archived from the original on 3 June 2023.
  31. 1 2 3 4 "Multi Mission Tanker Transport (MMTT)". Israel Aerospace Industries.
  32. ↑ Egozi, Arie (6 September 2010). "PICTURES: IAI tests Colombia's new 767 tanker". FlightGlobal. Archived from the original on 11 January 2024.
  33. ↑ Donald, David (17 September 2010). "IAI Flies Boeing 767 Multi-Mission Tanker". Aviation International News. Archived from the original on 18 December 2022.
  34. ↑ Egozi, Arie (31 March 2008). "IAI to supply Colombia with Boeing 767 tanker". FlightGlobal. Archived from the original on 11 January 2024.
  35. 1 2 Egozi, Arie (4 November 2010). "PICTURE: Colombia accepts 767 tanker from IAI". FlightGlobal. Archived from the original on 11 January 2024.
  36. ↑ Ruiz, Angela (21 March 2019). "Colombian Air Force supports US Navy Growlers for premier air-to-air combat". U.S. Southern Command. Archived from the original on 7 June 2023.
  37. ↑ "HAL signs MoU with Israel Aerospace Industries, to convert civil aircraft to multi-mission tanker transport aircraft". The Free Press Journal. 6 April 2022. Archived from the original on 17 April 2023.
  38. ↑ Peri, Dinakar (6 April 2022). "HAL ties up with IAI of Israel to convert passenger aircraft into mid-air refuellers". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 17 April 2023.
  39. ↑ Philip, Snehesh Alex (6 April 2022). "India to convert passenger aircraft into fuel tankers, to bridge critical mid-air refuelling gap". The Print. Archived from the original on 28 May 2023.
  40. ↑ "EADS/Qantas wins refuellers, Tracey report". Australian Ministry of Defence. 16 April 2004. Archived from the original on 27 December 2004.
  41. ↑ Senator Robert Hill Press Conference transcript, Australian Department of Defence, 16 April 2004.
  42. ↑ "Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA)". UK Ministry of Defence. Archived from the original on 12 March 2008.
  43. ↑ "Korea to Pick Aerial Refueling Tanker by Next Year". The Chosun Ilbo. 28 November 2013. Archived from the original on 17 April 2023. Retrieved 3 December 2013.
  44. ↑ Drew, James (30 June 2015). "Airbus beats Boeing in South Korean tanker competition". FlightGlobal. Archived from the original on 20 January 2022.
  45. ↑ "IAI to Convert Two Boeing 767 Into Flying Tankers for Brazil". Defense Update. 15 March 2013. Archived from the original on 27 September 2023.
  46. ↑ Allport, Dave (4 June 2021). "Brazil Green Lights Tanker Transport Acquisition". key.aero. Archived from the original on 16 April 2023.
  47. ↑ Trimble, Stephen (24 February 2011). "USAF selects Boeing for KC-X contract". Flightglobal. Archived from the original on 29 January 2022. Retrieved 24 February 2011.
  48. ↑ Cassata, Donna; C. Baldor, Lolita (24 February 2011). "Boeing gets $35 billion Air Force tanker order". NBC News. The Associated Press. Archived from the original on 15 April 2023.
  49. ↑ Capaccio, Tony (24 February 2011). "Boeing Defeats EADS for $35 Billion Air Force Tanker Program". Bloomberg. The Associated Press. Archived from the original on 11 January 2024.
  50. ↑ "Boeing Receives US Air Force Contract to Build Next-Generation Refueling Tanker". Boeing. 24 February 2011. Archived from the original on 3 October 2023.
  51. ↑ "Boeing KC-767 Tanker Completes First Contact With Receiver". Boeing. 24 January 2007. Archived from the original on 20 February 2007.
  52. ↑ "Boeing KC-767 Tanker Completes First Fuel Offload to Receiver". Boeing. 8 March 2007. Archived from the original on 28 March 2007.
  53. ↑ "Boeing KC-767 Tanker Extends Wing Refueling Hoses for First Time". Boeing. 19 April 2007. Archived from the original on 13 May 2007.
  54. ↑ Warwick, Graham (27 November 2007). "Boeing rejigs KC-767 modification, testing to meet schedule". FlightGlobal. Archived from the original on 29 January 2022. Retrieved 27 November 2007.
  55. ↑ "IAI wins Brazilian KC-X competition". UPI.com. 15 March 2013. Archived from the original on 31 December 2015. Retrieved 2 June 2013.
  56. ↑ Meier, Ricardo (27 January 2022). "Brazilian Air Force opens bid to acquire two Airbus A330-220". Air Data News. Archived from the original on 22 May 2022.
  57. ↑ "Afghanistan: A Roma i primi rimpatriati. Riaperto l'aeroporto di Kabul - Mondo". Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (in Italian). 16 August 2021. Archived from the original on 1 June 2023.
  58. 1 2 "KC-767 International Tanker Backgrounder". Boeing. Archived August 12, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  59. ↑ "767-200ER specifications". Boeing. archived
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