A Low Cost And Low Risk Approach To KC-46A Development

KC-46A refuels B-1B

Boeing seems to have really squeezed its profit margins on its winning KC-46A bid for the USAF tanker competition. With this win, Boeing has effectively:

1. Thwarted the entry of Airbus to a U.S. production base, for now
2. Extended the production life of the B-767 for possibly 300 more aircraft
3. Opened up the opportunity for a B-767NG version based on the KC-46A for passenger and freighter versions
   

For Boeing to convert this win into profits, it must implement a low cost and low risk approach to the KC-46A development.

To do this, Boeing can just USAF-milspeced the Italian Air Force KC-767A tanker. Based on published reports, Boeing needs to modify this Italian model with, among others:

1. Add winglets that is already being done on commercial B-767 versions. The winglets may possibly be also configured to alleviate further the flutter in the Italian Air Force KC-767A.
2. Install a B-787 style cockpit panel which can mean upgrading the B-767-400 cockpit panel to the B-787 level.
3. Enhanced KC-767A fuel boom. This may be simply an enlargement of the boom fuel line barrel or increase fuel line pressure or both, to deliver higher fuel flow rates.
4. Strengthening the cabin floor with lighter materials.
5. Install defensive systems.

KC-767A tanker for the Italian Air Force

Boeing cannot do a Frankentanker approach on the KC-46A now as the cost and risk are higher. It may do this on an enhanced KC-46A version with new engines, if ever.