Boeing Wins $2.8B USAF Contract For 18 KC-46 Tankers

The US Air Force has won a $2.8 billion worth contract to Boeing for additional 18 KC-46 tankers, the Department of defense announced Monday.

“The Boeing Co., Seattle, Washington, has been awarded a $2,858,701,741 modification (P00141) to contract FA8625-11-C-6600 for lot 4 production KC-46 aircraft, initial spares, and support equipment,” the release says.

Monday’s contract follows the first two U.S. Air Force buys finalized in August 2016 for a total of 19 aircraft, and a third order for another 15 KC-46s in January 2017. 

Monday’s contract provides for the exercise of an option for an additional quantity of 18 KC-46 aircraft, data, two spare engines, five wing refueling pod kits, initial spares, and support equipment being produced under the basic contract, the statement said. 

Work will be performed in Seattle, Washington, and is expected to be completed by Jan 2022.

Fiscal 2016 aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $44,000,000; fiscal 2017 aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $202,000,000; and fiscal 2018 aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $2,612,701,741 are being obligated at the time of award, it added.

The KC-46A is a multirole tanker that can refuel all allied and coalition military aircraft compatible with international aerial refueling procedures and can carry passengers, cargo and patients.