ST LOUIS, Mo., Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Boeing has begun flight testing its fifth-generation KC-767 Tanker boom for aerial refueling of military aircraft.
In a series of complex maneuvers, the Boeing test team in Wichita, Kan., deployed the fly-by-wire boom to several vertical and horizontal positions in flight, the company said in a news release.
"We've taken the proven aerodynamic shape and size of previous systems and made the KC-767 boom even more capable and reliable," said Mark McGraw, Boeing vice president for tanker programs. "The fly-by-wire system provides more precise and responsive controls to the operator, automatically corrects its position to reduce potential damage to the receiver aircraft and is easier to maintain."
Boeing said the system includes a full-time independent disconnect system.
The tests were held Sept. 21; more are to following in coming months.
Boeing is building and refueling the tankers for the militaries of Italy and Japan.
