Aircraft
First Flight of KC-46A Tanker Is Planned for September 25
The first flight of a 'full-up' tanker with aerial refueling equipment installed is the KC-46A program's next major milestone.
Flight testing will demonstrate the KC-46A tanker's ability to refuel five different aircraft types and another tanker. (Image: Boeing)
Flight testing will demonstrate the KC-46A tanker's ability to refuel five different aircraft types and another tanker. (Image: Boeing)

The U.S. Air Force has set September 25 as the date it expects the new KC-46A tanker to fly for the first time. The maiden flight of the Boeing 767 derivative fitted with aerial refueling equipment has been delayed by several months because of technical problems with the tanker development program that have caused Boeing to twice declare charges against its books.