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Boeing presents KC-767 proposal to USAF

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Boeing Thursday presented its final KC-767 Advanced Tanker proposal to the U.S. Air Force.

The proposal was for the KC-135 Tanker Replacement Program.

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"We have completed this KC-X process the way we began it -- by listening to our Air Force customer," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. "We believe the KC-767 Advanced Tanker will be evaluated as the most capable, technologically advanced and affordable tanker for America."

Boeing said its final proposal for the KC-767 Advanced Tanker, or AT, was "tailored to meet or exceed all of the Air Force's mission requirements. For example, using ground rules in the KC-X Request for Proposal, nearly twice as many KC-767s can be based on a parking ramp compared to the competitor's oversized aircraft. Those additional KC-767s will provide more critical fuel to receiver aircraft closer to the fight while requiring fewer bases to support tanker operations."

Boeing said its tanker also would "carry three times more cargo and passengers than the KC-135 without sacrificing the operational flexibility delivered by a medium-sized aircraft. In contrast, the competitor's offering would be the second largest aircraft in the Air Force's inventory and provide unnecessary capacity."

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"Technology advances on the KC-767AT include a sixth-generation, fly-by-wire boom that can offload more than 1,000 gallons of fuel per minute; a third-generation remote vision refueling system; and a state-of-the-art digital flight deck designed for the commercial 767-400ER," the company said.

"In addition to LCD flat panel displays and an integrated flight management system, tanker pilots will have two new systems available -- an electronic flight bag and a heads-up guidance system -- that will improve situational awareness and mission effectiveness," Boeing said.

"As the Department of Defense's largest consumer of fuel, the Air Force needs the most efficient, best value tanker for the future. Burning 24 percent less fuel than its competitor, the KC-767 will save the service and American taxpayer an estimated $14.6 billion. The KC-767 also will save approximately $4 billion if selected since it costs 22 percent less to maintain than its competitor," Boeing said.

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