PRATICA DI MARE, Italy, May 20 (UPI) -- The Italian air force has formally entered into service the first two Boeing KC-767 advanced aerial refueling tankers delivered to it in December and March.
The service entry, marked by a ceremony near Rome, follows modifications to the aircraft at Boeing's facility in Wichita, Kan., and their physical delivery to the Italian air base at Pratica di Mare.
"The configuration flexibility of the KC-767 tanker allows for simultaneous refueling and passenger and cargo transport, with the potential to operate in humanitarian response, disaster relief, and emergency aeromedical evacuation of personnel," Italian air force officials said. "The KC-767 enables a unique and exceptional air projection capability, not only for Italy, but for all of NATO."
"This is a milestone event for the Italian air force as well as the members of Boeing's International Tanker team," said Scott Wuesthoff, International Tanker program manager for Boeing. "The KC-767 tankers will significantly increase Italy's military capability as the country performs vital missions in support of NATO and regional interests."
Boeing is building four KC-767 Tanker Transport aircraft, designed for in-flight aerial refueling and strategic transport, to replace the Italy's B-707T/T fleet. Since their delivery, the first two KC-767 tankers have been engaged in aerial refueling training missions.
Boeing and the Italian air force are working together to enter the third KC-767 aircraft into the acceptance process for anticipated delivery this summer, with a fourth tanker to follow shortly thereafter.
Boeing said the Italian air force KC-767A is a "convertible combi," meaning it can carry all passengers, all cargo, or a combination of passengers and cargo. In any configuration, the KC-767 has an aerial refueling boom with a remote aerial refueling operator station, as well as wing pod and centerline hose and drogue systems, and a refueling receptacle.
This configuration allows for the refueling of all existing types of aircraft, both fighters and transports, Boeing said.
