KC-767 Tanker Transport
767-200 - basis for KC-767TT
Description
Role	Air-to-air refueling
Crew	2 Pilots & AAR operator
Unit cost	Undisclosed
Primary contractor	Boeing Integrated Defense Systems
Date Deployed	2004
Inventory
Dimensions
Length	159 ft 2 in	48.5 m
Wingspan (to winglet tips)	156 ft 1 in	47.6m
Height	52 ft	15.8 m
Cargo	2,875 ft³	81.4 m³
Weights
Dry	lb	85,595 kg
Loaded	lb	128,870 kg
Max. peace-time take-off Weight	lb	186,880kg
Powerplant
Engines	Two GE CF6-80C2 turbofan engines
Thrust	63,500 lbf each	282 kN each
Engines	Two P&W PW4000 turbofan engines
Thrust	62,000 lbf each	275 kN each
Performance
Maximum speed	kt	Mach 0.86
Ferry range	9,250 km / Global, with in-flight refueling
Service ceiling	40,100 ft	m

The Boeing KC-767 is a next generation military aerial refueling and strategic transport aircraft developed primarily for the USAF from the Boeing 767-200.

Boeing received the first order for the 767 Tanker Transport from Italy in 2001 for four aircraft. The company had further success when the Japanese Air Self Defense Force selected the KC-767, again for four aircraft and to be fitted an advanced air-refueling boom. A lease arrangement whereby Boeing would lease around 100 aircraft to the USAF has become stalled in political controversy.

Questions were asked initially about the requirement to begin replacement of the KC-135 fleet however development proceeded, the current arguments have had a more profound affect on the project. In December 2003 Boeing CEO Phil Condit resigned in an attempt to draw a line under the "distractions and controversies of the past year" - these distractions took the form of allegations that Boeing finance officer Mike Sears negotiated the recruitment of an air force procurement official while she was still working at the Pentagon.

Boeing, teamed with BAE Systems and British Airways, offered the KC-767 to the UK's RAF for its Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft. The Ministry of Defence announced in January 2004 that it had selected the Airbus A330 MRTT to fulfil this requirement. Australia selected the A330, again in competition with the KC-767 in April 2004. While the Airbus does have an overall higher specification than the 767 it seems likely that complications over the USAF deal have dissuaded potential customers who would have liked to purchase the KC-767. It is reported that the RAAF was concerned about the possibility of funding full development that would otherwise be shared with the USAF.

Links

• Boeing Integrated Defense Systems
• GlobalSecurity.org