The Air Force on Friday approved Milestone C for the KC-46 program, signaling the aircraft is ready to enter into production.
Work is now underway to award the first two Low Rate Initial Production lots within the next 30 days, the Air Force said late Friday in a statement.
Securing approval to begin Low Rate Initial Production required completion of several aerial refueling demonstrations, to include refueling an F-16, C-17, and A-10 off the boom and an AV-8 and F/A-18 off both hose and drogue systems. The KC-46 also proved its receiver capability by taking fuel from a KC-10.
Some demonstrations were delayed due to higher than expected axial loads in the boom. Boeing installed hydraulic pressure relief valves to alleviate loads and last month all remaining demonstrations were quickly completed.
“The KC-46 is ready to take the next step,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Dave Goldfein. “Our Air Force and Boeing team stepped up to meet the recent challenges.”
The Air Force will soon award contracts to Boeing for two lots, totaling 19 aircraft, and associated spare parts for a pre-negotiated $2.8 billion combined value.
The first aircraft deliveries will be to McConnell AFB, Kansas, and Altus AFB, Oklahoma. A total of 18 tankers are scheduled to be delivered by early 2018.
Going forward in the test program, the KC-46 will complete a robust schedule of Federal Aviation Administration and military certification flight testing, including refueling test flights, in order to achieve certification for aircraft in the Air Force and Department of Defense inventory.