Boeing KC-46 Tanker Certified With F-35 Jet

Boeing KC-46 mid-air refueling tanker has completed receiver certification testing with Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft.

“US Air Force and Boeing complete #KC46 tanker receiver certification testing with stealthy F-35 Lightning II,” the company announced on its official Twitter account.

During the certification flight tests, KC-46 and F-35 aircraft flew at different airspeeds, altitudes and configurations to ensure compatibility and performance throughout the refueling envelope of each receiver.

The Boeing KC-46 Pegasus is a military aerial refueling and strategic military transport aircraft developed by Boeing from its 767 jet airliner. The KC-46A can refuel all allied and coalition military aircraft compatible with international aerial refueling procedures and can carry passengers, cargo and patients.

The company was recently awarded a $5.7 billion contract for a new fleet of the aircraft with combat capabilities, to replace the ageing fleet of Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers.