Boeing KC-767A

Flying for the first time in 2005, the Boeing KC-767 is a militarised aerial refuelling tanker and cargo aircraft based on the Boeing 767-200ER airliner. The KC-767 was originally developed for the Italian and Japanese Air Forces and is capable of refuelling any aircraft that either uses the boom method or hose method of aerial refuelling, using remote control via goggles and screens to operate the rear boom. The KC-767 was originally chosen to replace the KC-135 by the USAF however the order was cancelled in favour of the KC-X tanker competition. Boeing also eventually won this competition with the 767 but in a modified form known as the KC-46A Pegasus. The KC-46 differs from the KC-767 in being equipped with a large cargo door and an updated 3D remote control system for the rear boom. Whilst the latter system has been praised on the KC-767, the newer version on the KC-46 has been the subject to much criticism and is having to be redesigned at significant cost.

The Italian Air Force officially ordered four KC-767As in 2002 as the launch customer for the type. Following technical delays and a rigorous testing regime, the KC-767 entered service with the Italian Air Force in 2011. Since then the type has seen active service in support of NATO operations in Libya, Afghanistan and on the Ukrainian border.

A single Italian Air Force KC-767A will be appearing on static display at this year's Air Tattoo and will be provided by the 14° Stormo based at Pratica di Mare air base just south of Rome. The KC-767A will be parked together with other Italian Air Force aircraft both old and new as part of our celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Italian Air Force and also forms part of our SKYTANKER theme.

Photo Credit: Rich Cooper

On display

Role
Static