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For the [[KC-X]] competition, Boeing offered a KC-767 based on the forthcoming 767-200 Long Range Freighter. In February 2008 the [[United States Department of Defense|DoD]] selected [[Northrop Grumman]]/[[EADS]]'s KC-30 offering, now officially designated the [[Northrop Grumman KC-45|KC-45A]].<ref name="KC-X select"/> The Boeing Company submitted a protest to the Air Force's decision on 11 March 2008.<ref name=King5>{{cite web |url=http://www.king5.com/topstories/stories/NW_061808BUB_boeing_gao_air_tanker_contract_JM.161e241b.html |title=GAO backs Boeing tanker protest |publisher=[[King 5]] News |date=18 June 2008 |accessdate=18 June 2008}}</ref> The United States [[Government Accountability Office]] upheld their protest on 18 June, placing the status of the KC-45A in doubt and allowing for a rebid of the contract by Boeing.<ref name=King5/> However in September 2008, the [[KC-X]] bidding was canceled.<ref name="KC-X_term">[http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=12195 "DoD Announces Termination of KC-X Tanker Solicitation"]. US DoD, 10 September 2008.</ref>
For the [[KC-X]] competition, Boeing offered a KC-767 based on the forthcoming 767-200 Long Range Freighter. In February 2008 the [[United States Department of Defense|DoD]] selected [[Northrop Grumman]]/[[EADS]]'s KC-30 offering, now officially designated the [[Northrop Grumman KC-45|KC-45A]].<ref name="KC-X select"/> The Boeing Company submitted a protest to the Air Force's decision on 11 March 2008.<ref name=King5>{{cite web |url=http://www.king5.com/topstories/stories/NW_061808BUB_boeing_gao_air_tanker_contract_JM.161e241b.html |title=GAO backs Boeing tanker protest |publisher=[[King 5]] News |date=18 June 2008 |accessdate=18 June 2008}}</ref> The United States [[Government Accountability Office]] upheld their protest on 18 June, placing the status of the KC-45A in doubt and allowing for a rebid of the contract by Boeing.<ref name=King5/> However in September 2008, the [[KC-X]] bidding was canceled.<ref name="KC-X_term">[http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=12195 "DoD Announces Termination of KC-X Tanker Solicitation"]. US DoD, 10 September 2008.</ref>


In September 2009, the USAF announced it would again start the bidding process for the new refueler.<ref name="wsj"/>
In September 2009, the USAF announced it would again start the bidding process for the new refueler.<ref name="wsj"/> On March 8, 2010, Northrop Grumman announced that it would pull out of the bidding process, effectively conceding the contract to Boeing.<ref>[http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_printer.html?d=186116&print=1 "Statement From Northrop Grumman on U.S. Air Force Aerial Refueling Tanker Program"]. Northrop Grumman press release, 8 March 2010.</ref>


==History==
==History==

Revision as of 12:48, 9 March 2010

KC-767
Japan Air Self-Defense Force KC-767J
Role Air-to-air tanker
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 21 May 2005
Primary users Italian Air Force
Japan Air Self-Defense Force
Produced 2003- present
Number built 8 planned
Developed from Boeing 767

The Boeing KC-767 is a military aerial refueling and strategic transport aircraft developed from the Boeing 767-200. The tanker received the designation KC-767A in 2002[1] after being selected by the US Air Force initially to replace older KC-135Es.[2] In December 2003, the contract was frozen and later canceled due to corruption allegations.

The tanker is currently being developed for use by the Italian and Japanese air forces, who have ordered four tankers each.[3] Financing of the development of the aircraft, over $1 billion, has been borne by Boeing, in that it hoped to get major orders from the U.S. Air Force.[4]

For the KC-X competition, Boeing offered a KC-767 based on the forthcoming 767-200 Long Range Freighter. In February 2008 the DoD selected Northrop Grumman/EADS's KC-30 offering, now officially designated the KC-45A.[5] The Boeing Company submitted a protest to the Air Force's decision on 11 March 2008.[6] The United States Government Accountability Office upheld their protest on 18 June, placing the status of the KC-45A in doubt and allowing for a rebid of the contract by Boeing.[6] However in September 2008, the KC-X bidding was canceled.[7]

In September 2009, the USAF announced it would again start the bidding process for the new refueler.[8] On March 8, 2010, Northrop Grumman announced that it would pull out of the bidding process, effectively conceding the contract to Boeing.[9]

History

Commercial Derivative Air Refueling Aircraft

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) ran a procurement program to replace around 100 of its oldest KC-135E Stratotankers, part of the "Commercial Derivative Air Refueling Aircraft" program. Most USAF KC-135s are of the updated KC-135R variant.

On 28 March 2002, the Air Force selected Boeing's KC-767 stating they "have clearly demonstrated that only the Boeing Corp. can currently meet the requirements".[2]

The USAF was listed as giving four main reasons for this selection of the KC-767 over Airbus's KC-330 (aircraft's name at the time).[2]

  • ""The KC-330 increase in size does not bring with it a commensurate increase in available air refueling offload,..." (USAF quote)
  • The KC-330 "..presents a higher-risk technical approach and a less preferred financial arrangement." (USAF quote)
  • " the size difference of the EADS-proposed KC-330 results in an 81 percent larger ground footprint compared to the KC-135E it would replace, whereas the Boeing 767 is only 29 percent larger." (USAF quote)
  • The KC-330 requires "..greater infrastructure investment and dramatically limits the aircraft's ability to operate effectively in worldwide deployment." (Summary of Quote by MAT magazine)

The Boeing tanker received the KC-767A designation from the DoD in 2002 and appearing in the 2004 addition of DoD Model Designation report.[1]

USAF lease and cancellation

For its Commercial Derivative Air Refuelling Aircraft program, the U.S. Air Force decided to lease around 100 KC-767 tankers from Boeing after it won the selection process.[10]

Despite many other nations engaging in leased 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 military service was concluded. This was derided as an uninformed criticism, as there were many U.S. allies in need of tanker aircraft. The Congressional Budget Office has also criticized the draft leasing agreement as fiscally irresponsible. In November 2003, a compromise was struck where the Air Force would purchase 80 KC-767 aircraft and lease 20 more.[11][12]

In December 2003, the Pentagon announced the project was to be frozen while an investigation of allegations of corruption by one if its former procurement staffers, Darleen Druyun (who had moved to Boeing in January) was begun. 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.[13][14][verification needed] 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".[15] Additional fallout included the resignation of Boeing CEO Philip M. Condit and the termination of CFO Michael M. Sears.

In January 2006, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld announced the cancellation of the Air Force's KC-767A lease. This was designed as a cost cutting measure and as part of a larger reorganization and redefinition of the Air Force's mission which included the retirement of the E-4B fleet, the cancellation of the 767-based E-10 program, as well as the elimination of all but 58 B-52s. Rumsfeld stated that this move will in no way impair the Air Force's ability to deliver the mission of the KC-767A which will be accomplished by continuing upgrades to the KC-135 and KC-10 fleets. Boeing's development of the aircraft for other customers was unaffected by the cancellation however.

International programs

Italian Air Force

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 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.[16] However, to date, none of the four aircraft ordered have been delivered to the Italian air force due to ongoing problems with their in flight refueling equipment (mainly wings flutter).[17][18]

Japan Self-Defense Forces

In 2001, Japan selected the KC-767 over a tanker version of the Airbus A310 and signed a contract in 2003.[19] The Japan Self-Defense Forces ordered four aircraft and has designated the tanker KC-767J.

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.[20][21] The first operational KC-767A was delivered to Japan on 19 February 2008,[22] with the second KC-767 following on 5 March.[23] 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. The fourth tanker is planned to be delivered in early 2010.[24]

Others

Australia selected the Airbus A330 MRTT in April 2004 after competition with the KC-767 due the A330's larger fuel and cargo capability.[25]

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. 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.[26]

USAF KC-X Program

Main article: KC-X

In 2006 the USAF released a request for proposal (RFP) for a new tanker program, KC-X, to be selected by 2007. Boeing had also announced it may enter an even higher capability tanker based on the Boeing 777, currently named the KC-777 Strategic Tanker. Airbus has partnered with Northrop Grumman to offer the Airbus A330 MRTT, the tanker version of the A330, which was being marketed to the USAF under the unofficial designation of KC-30.[27]

In late January 2007 the USAF issued the KC-X Aerial Refueling Aircraft Request for Proposal. The RFP calls for 179 (4 system development and demonstration and 175 production) tankers, worth an estimated US$40 billion.[28] However, Northrop and EADS expressed their displeasure at how the RFP was structured and have threatened to withdraw, leaving only Boeing to offer an aircraft.[29]

On 12 February 2007, Boeing announced it is offering the KC-767 Advanced Tanker in the KC-X Tanker competition.[30] Boeing stated for KC-X's requirements, the KC-767 was a better fit than the KC-777.[31] On 11 April 2007, Boeing submitted its KC-767 tanker proposal to U.S. Air Force.[32]

In September 2007, the USAF rejected having a mixed fleet new tankers from both Boeing and Northrop Grumman as being unfeasible because of increased costs in buying limited numbers of two types annually.[33] Boeing submitted the final version of its proposal on 3 January 2008.[34] On 29 February 2008, the DoD chose the Northrop Grumman/EADS KC-30, now officially designated the KC-45A, over the KC-767.[5] Boeing submitted a protest to the United States Government Accountability Office on 11 March 2008 and began waging a fierce public relations campaign in support of their protest.[6] On 18 June, following a series of admissions by the Air Force on the flaws in the bidding process, the GAO upheld Boeing's protest and recommended the contract be rebid.[6] On 9 July 2008, Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced that the Air Force would reopen bidding on the tanker contract.[35] Secretary Gates put the contract for the KC-45 into an "expedited recompetition" with Defense Undersecretary John Young in charge of the selection process instead of the Air Force.[36] A draft of the revised RFP was provided to the contractors on 6 August 2008 for comments. By mid-August the revised RFP was to be finalized.[37] However, on 10 September 2008, the US Defense Department canceled the KC-X solicitation.[7]

On 24 September 2009, the USAF began the first steps in the new round of bids, with a clearer set of criteria, including reducing the number of requirements from 800 to 373 in an attempt to simply the process and allow a more objective decision to be made.[8] In March 2010 Northrop Grumman withdrew from the bidding process, leaving the KC-767 as the current sole contender.[38][39]

Development of aircraft

A Japan Air Self Defense Force boom operators crewman simulates refueling an aircraft at Travis AFB

Italy's aircraft became the first KC-767 to be assembled. The aircraft are 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,[40] and in June the same year, Japan's first aircraft arrived at Boeing's Wichita, Kansas modification center to be fitted out with the tanker equipment.[3]

Italy's second aircraft arrived for modification at the Naples, Italy facility of Boeing's partner, Aeronavali on 6 May 2005.[41]

On 23 January 2007, the KC-767 flight test aircraft set a program milestone by making its first hookup with a receiver aircraft, a 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 is being done at Edwards Air Force Base, and the test aircraft is destined for Italy once testing is complete.[4]

The KC-767 extended its air refueling boom and transferred fuel to another aircraft for the first time on 5 March 2007.[42] The tanker completed another test milestone on 12 April 2007 when its aircrew successfully extended and retracted both wing refueling hoses.[43] Flight testing has resumed on Japan's tanker after modifications were completed.[44] 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.[45]

The KC-767 Advanced Tanker originally offered for the KC-X competition was based on the in-development 767-200LRF (Long Range Freighter), rather than the -200ER that the Italian and Japanese aircraft are based.[46] This differed from the Japanese and Italian tankers, by combining the -200ER fuselage, -300F wing, gear and cargo door and floor, -400ER digital flightdeck and flaps, uprated engines and "sixth-generation" boom.[47]

Specifications

Specifications for KC-767A Tanker Transport (767-200ER based), except for KC-767 Advanced Tanker (767-200LRF based) data at bottom.

Data from KC-767A,[48] KC-767 Advanced[49] Boeing 767-200ER specifications[50]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 3: 2 pilots, 1 boom operator
  • Capacity: up to 200 passengers or 19 463L palletsMaximum Fuel Load: 160,660 lb (72,877 kg)

Performance

  • For KC-767 Advanced Tanker:[49]
    • Max takeoff weight: over 400,000 lb (181,000 kg)
    • Maximum Fuel Load: over 202,000 lb (91,600 kg)
    • Capacity: 190 passengers, 19 463L pallets or 19 patients
    • Powerplant: 2x Pratt & Whitney PW4062,[51] 63,500 lbf (282 kN) each

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

  1. ^ a b DoD 4120.15L, Model Designation of Military Aerospace Vehicles, 2004-05-12.
  2. ^ a b c "Boeing Given Nod on Tanker Lease". Military-Aerospace Technology Magazine; volume: 1, issue: 2, 1 May 2002. (archive link).
  3. ^ a b "First Boeing 767 Aircraft for Japan Tanker Program Arrives in Wichita", Boeing news release, 2005-06-08.
  4. ^ a b "KC-767 tanker completes first contact". Boeing news release, 24 January 2007.
  5. ^ a b Butler, Amy, Fulghum, Davis A and Wall, Robert. "Northrop/EADS Clinches U.S. Refueler Deal", Aviation Week, 29 February 2008.
  6. ^ a b c d "GAO backs Boeing tanker protest". King 5 News. 18 June 2008. Retrieved 18 June 2008.
  7. ^ a b "DoD Announces Termination of KC-X Tanker Solicitation". US DoD, 10 September 2008.
  8. ^ a b Air Force Resumes Tanker Contest
  9. ^ "Statement From Northrop Grumman on U.S. Air Force Aerial Refueling Tanker Program". Northrop Grumman press release, 8 March 2010.
  10. ^ Tirpak, John A. "100 Tankers". Air Force magazine, August 2003.
  11. ^ Tirpak, John A. "Tanker Twilight Zone". Air Force magazine, February 2004, Vol. 87, No. 2.
  12. ^ Pope, Charles. "Pentagon finalizes Boeing tanker deal", Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 7 November 2003.
  13. ^ Galloway, Joseph L. "Air Force Allowed Boeing to Rewrite Terms of Tanker Contract, Documents Show". commondreams.org, 28 March 2004.
  14. ^ Galloway, Joseph L. "Air Force Let Boeing Rewrite Contract". military.com, 31 March 2004.
  15. ^ Cahlink, George (1 October 2004). "Ex-Pentagon procurement executive gets jail time". Govexec.com. Retrieved 2006-12-21.
  16. ^ "Boeing, Italian MoD Sign Contract for 767 Tanker Transports". Boeing, 11 December 2002.
  17. ^ [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/04/08/324901/italian-budget-crunch-threatens-amx-fleet.html
  18. ^ "Italian Air Force Nicknames 1st Tanker 'I Have a Dream'". Defense News, 17 June 2009.
  19. ^ Boeing, Japan Sign 767 Tanker Transport Contract
  20. ^ KC-767 tanker transport aircraft for delivery delays. Japan's MoD, 2007-07-30, translation
  21. ^ KC-767 tanker transport aircraft for delivery delays, Japan's MoD, 2007-03-16, translation
  22. ^ "Boeing Delivers First KC-767 Tanker to Japan". Boeing, 19 February 2008.
  23. ^ "Boeing Delivers 2nd KC-767 Tanker to Japan", Boeing, 5 March 2008.
  24. ^ "Boeing KC-767J Aerial Refueling Tankers Join Active Air Wing in Japan". Boeing, 26 May 2009.
  25. ^ Senator Robert Hill Press Conference transcript, Australian Department of Defence, 16 April 2004.
  26. ^ Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) fact sheet, UK Ministry of Defence.
  27. ^ Northrop Grumman KC-30 marketing web site
  28. ^ Air Force Posts KC-X Request for Proposals, 2007-01-30
  29. ^ Evens, Ben and Daly, Matthew (AP), "Northrop-EADS threatens to withdraw bid for US Air Force contract leaving only Boeing". Aerotech News and Review, 2 February 2007.
  30. ^ "Boeing Unveils Air Force Tanker in $40 Billion Contract Competition", Borak, D. Associated Press. 2007-02-12.
  31. ^ Why the 767?, Air Force magazine
  32. ^ "Boeing Submits KC-767 Advanced Tanker Proposal to U.S. Air Force". Boeing, 11 April 2007.
  33. ^ "Dual Sourcing Tanker Unfeasible, Wynne Says", ABC News, 20 September 2007.
  34. ^ "Boeing Submits Final KC-767 Advanced Tanker Proposal to U.S. Air Force", Boeing, 3 January 2008.
  35. ^ Air Force to Reopen Bidding on Tanker Contract, New York Times, 10 July 2008
  36. ^ Kruzel, John J. "Pentagon Reopens Bidding on Tanker Contract". US DoD, 9 July 2008.
  37. ^ "Pentagon Issues New Tanker Bid Parameters". Aviation Week, 6 August 2008.
  38. ^ Northrop Grumman declines to bid on latest KC-X RFP
  39. ^ Northrop to Drop Bid for Tanker
  40. ^ "Boeing Built First Italian Air Force KC-767 Tanker Makes First Flight", Boeing, 2005-05-21.
  41. ^ "Italy KC-767 Tanker #2 Arrives in Naples for Modifications". Boeing, 6 May 2005.
  42. ^ Boeing KC-767 Tanker Completes First Fuel Offload to Receiver
  43. ^ Boeing KC-767 Tanker extends wing refueling hoses for first time
  44. ^ "Boeing resumes flight testing of KC-767 Tanker for Japan", Boeing, 30 August 2007.
  45. ^ "Boeing rejigs KC-767 modification, testing to meet schedule". Flight International, 27 November 2007
  46. ^ "Boeing Offers KC-767 Advanced Tanker to U.S. Air Force", Boeing, 12 February 2007.
  47. ^ http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/01/21/220925/size-matters-in-us-air-force-kc-x-contest.html
  48. ^ KC-767A product card. Boeing.
  49. ^ a b KC-767 Advanced Tanker product card. Boeing.
  50. ^ 767-200ER specifications. Boeing.
  51. ^ "Pratt & Whitney Selected To Supply Engines For KC-767", 2007-03-13.
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