CHICAGO, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- Boeing Monday proposed the KC-767 for the multi-billion dollar KC-X program to replace the aged U.S. Air Force fleet of air tankers.
As expected, Boeing opted for the 767 rather than its larger KC-777 despite the fact that rival Northrop Grumman was expected to propose a plane also bigger than the 767.
In a written statement, Boeing Vice President Ron Marcotte stressed the ability of the KC-767 to operate from smaller airfields closer to the action as a main selling point.
"The mission is refueling aircraft, often in tight, hostile locations, and the Boeing KC-767 Advanced Tanker is made for this mission," said Marcotte, who is also general manager of Chicago-based Boeing's Global Mobility Systems division. "It is the ideal fit for the requirements set forth in the Air Force's Request for Proposals. Highly energy-efficient, agile and with exceptional takeoff performance, the KC-767 puts more fuel closer to the fight -- with access to more than 1,000 additional bases worldwide than the KC-135."
The KC-767 is based on the proven Boeing 767 airliner and is considered both smaller and less expensive than its rival tankers. It is also designed with a cargo hold that can carry freight and passengers as well as nearly 193,000 pounds of fuel. That's about the same as a KC-135; however Northrop boasts that its bigger plane can haul 25 percent more fuel than the old 135.
