2 aerial refueling tankers flying training missions with ItAF crews
PRATICA DI MARE, Italy, May 17, 2011 -- The first two Boeing [NYSE:
BA] KC-767 advanced aerial refueling tankers for the Italian Air Force
(ItAF) formally entered into service today during a public ceremony
near Rome.
The ItAF accepted delivery of the two KC-767A tankers on Dec. 29 and
March 10. Italian crews then flew the aircraft from Boeing's tanker
modification facility in Wichita, Kan., to the Italian air base at
Pratica di Mare.
"The configuration flexibility of the KC-767 tanker allows for
simultaneous refueling and passenger and cargo transport, with the
potential to operate in humanitarian response, disaster relief, and
emergency aeromedical evacuation of personnel," ItAF officials said.
"The KC-767 enables a unique and exceptional air projection
capability, not only for Italy, but for all of NATO."
"This is a milestone event for the Italian Air Force as well as the
members of Boeing's International Tanker team," said Scott Wuesthoff,
International Tanker program manager for Boeing. "The KC-767 tankers
will significantly increase Italy's military capability as the country
performs vital missions in support of NATO and regional interests. The
deliveries also reaffirm Boeing's standing as the world's leading
provider of aerial refueling tankers."
Boeing is building four KC-767 Tanker Transport aircraft, designed for
in-flight aerial refueling and strategic transport, to replace the
ItAF B-707T/T fleet. Since their delivery, the first two KC-767
tankers have been engaged in aerial refueling training missions with
ItAF crews in which they are successfully delivering fuel to an array
of ItAF aircraft. Boeing and the ItAF are working together to enter
the third KC-767 aircraft into the acceptance process for anticipated
delivery this summer, with a fourth tanker to follow shortly
thereafter. Upon receiving its fourth tanker, ItAF will declare Final
Operational Capability.
The Italian Air Force KC-767A is a "convertible combi," meaning it can
carry all passengers, all cargo, or a combination of passengers and
cargo. In any configuration, the KC-767 has an aerial refueling boom
with a remote aerial refueling operator station, as well as wing pod
and centerline hose and drogue systems, and a refueling receptacle.
This configuration allows for the refueling of all existing types of
aircraft, both fighters and transports.
"The Italian Air Force KC-767A can be refueled by another tanker
thanks to the refueling receptacle located on top of the aircraft near
the cockpit, a feature that increases the tanker's already enviable
operating capacity and range," ItAF officials said.
Boeing has been designing, building, modifying and supporting tankers
for decades. These include four KC-767 tankers delivered to the Japan
Air Self Defense Force, hundreds of KC-135 tankers delivered to
worldwide customers, and a fleet of large KC-10 tankers delivered to
the U.S. Air Force.
