Boeing and the U.S. Air Force successfully completed the first flight of the KC-46 tanker test program on 28 December 2014. The plane, a Boeing 767-2C, took off from Paine Field, Wash., at 9:29 a.m. (PST) and landed three hours and 32 minutes later at Boeing Field. The aircraft will receive its military systems following certification.
As part of a contract awarded in 2011 to design and develop the Air Force’s next-generation tanker aircraft, Boeing is building four test aircraft – two 767-2Cs and two KC-46A Tankers. The 767-2Cs enter flight test as commercial freighters prior to receiving their aerial refueling systems, while the KC-46s will fly as fully equipped tankers through the FAA and military certification process.
Boeing is on contract to deliver the first 18 of 179 KC-46 aircraft to the Air Force by 2017.
Diehl is proud to supply the Interior General Lighting for the KC-46A aircraft. Providing these components for the new Boeing tanker is of particular significance to the supplier because it underlines Diehl’s capabilities to participate in military programs. Previously, Diehl supplied aircraft systems components to fighter aircraft like Tornado and Eurofighter, but also military airlifters (C-160, A400M) as well as helicopters (Tiger, NH90).
The share in the KC-46A tanker was the first ever to be awarded to Diehl by Boeing for a military program.
Diehl Aerosystems is a Corporate Division of Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG and covers all aerospace activities of the Diehl Group. With its operational units Diehl Aerospace, joint venture with Thales, and Diehl Aircabin as well as Diehl Service Modules, Diehl Comfort Modules and AOA, Diehl Aerosystems is a leading systems supplier for avionics and cabin solutions.
The Corporate Division currently has more than 4,900 employees. Amongst its customers are leading aircraft manufacturers (OEMs), such as Airbus (both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters), Boeing, Bombardier and Embraer, as well as airlines and other operators of commercial aircraft.
