As part of the testing , the KC-46A multirole aerial refueling tanker and the P-8A maritime patrol aircraft flew at different airspeeds , altitudes and configurations to ensure compatibility and performance throughout the refueling envelope .
“ During these challenging times for our company , it ’ s important to remember our mission ,” said Tim Peters , vice president and general manager mobility and surveillance for Boeing Military Aircraft . “ This photo highlights the amazing work of our Puget Sound teams and efforts to support our customers .”
Keeping it all in the family , both the KC- 46 and P-8 spend a lot of time together on the ground too , as they are readied for delivery at the newly modernized Military Delivery Center in Tukwila , Washington . It ’ s a fairly new mission for a site that formerly served as a modification center for Airborne Warning and Control ( AWACS ) aircraft .
The delivery center ’ s transformation did not happen overnight . It took a concerted effort to renovate the existing facility .
“ There is a real sense of accomplishment among our team ,” said Ken Wilson , a senior manager for the P-8 program at the delivery center . We have listened to the customer and remained focused on the goal of delivering a quality aircraft .”
The last time Boeing delivered this many military aircraft from the Pacific Northwest was during the peak of the KC-135 program , more than 55 years ago .
“ The teams at the center have to coordinate closely in order to conduct all the ground and flight tests prior to delivery ,” said Wilson . “ It is imperative that we work as one team , with our defense contract management agency customer , to deliver these aircraft to our Navy and Air Force customers .”
Employees at the Military Delivery Center in Tukwila , Washington , have worked across the enterprise to improve workflow and quality as the center hosts deliveries for both the P-8 and
KC-46 military aircraft programs . ( Boeing photo )
To meet the delivery requirements of both programs , the space at the center had to be reconfigured , and a new blast fence installed . Today , the center can hold up to 14 aircraft , up from four previously . Additional personnel , equipment and support staff also were added .
“ A lot goes into the final aircraft checks and test flights prior to delivery ,” said Peters . “ I am very proud of the team . “ We have a bright future as we continue to focus on executing on our franchise programs and delivering the most capable aircraft .”
To learn more about how public policy impacts the aerospace industry and ways to get involved , please visit Watch U . S . Fly at http :// www . watchusfly . com
Learn more at : www . watchusfly . com
AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2021 ISSUE NO . 22 19