Boeing has been granted a USD 16.8 million contract by the US Air Force (USAF) for software and data improvements for the KC-46A, which will enhance the operational readiness and capabilities of the advanced multi-mission tanker aircraft.
The contract involves updates to the Onboard Performance Tool software to accelerate mission launches, including specific enhancements for effective cargo loading and management of takeoff and landing data for flight planning. These improvements will allow aircrews to perform weight and balance calculations more efficiently, load the aircraft quickly, and commence missions promptly.
“The U.S. Air Force and allies are performing crucial global missions with the growing KC-46A tanker fleet and finding ways to extract more capability from the platform,” said Lynn Fox, KC-46 vice president and program manager.
“We’re collaborating to integrate enhancements like these and bring additional capabilities to the battlespace as rapidly as possible to meet the evolving needs of the mission.”
Boeing was granted a Block 1 upgrade contract by the USAF in 2023 to improve the KC-46A’s advanced communications, data connectivity, and situational awareness, enhancing aircraft survivability and operational advantage in contested environments.
The KC-46A has the capability to transport three times the amount of cargo pallets, up to twice as many passengers, and over 30% more aeromedical evacuation patients compared to the KC-135 aircraft fleet it is set to replace.
To date, Boeing has delivered 84 KC-46As to the USAF and four to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
The KC-46 was developed by Boeing from its 767 jet airliner and was selected by the USAF as the winner in the KC-X tanker competition to replace older Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers. The first aircraft was delivered to the USAF in January 2019.
