Patent application gives away KC-46 WARP fix

During testing of the KC-46 it was found that airflow around the aircraft was causing issues with the WARP hoses during extension and retraction and instability during refueling. Due to the increased speed of the aircraft fixes used on earlier versions didn't work.

Now a patent application filed by Boeing shows the fix they developed for them. By adding a swept pylon flap, the pylon and pod are unloaded in flight, and the airflow is pushed downward, countering the vortex.

The first 18 aircraft will be delivered by January 2018, with WARP capability added in October of that year.

www.flightglobal.com...

a reply to: Zaphod58

Never knew that was the refueling craft. One big plane! Very cool to know about these advancements.


Should this allow for less error in refueling procedures?

a reply to: OneGoal

The boom of the KC-46 is the most advanced in the world now. It uses a 3D goggle system and puts the boom operator in the cockpit, instead of under the tail, where they are on our current tankers.

The WARP and centerline drogue system are pretty straightforward. They simply reel out with a basket on the end of a hose and it's up to the pilot of the fighter to plug into the basket. It's a simpler system but harder to plug into.

a reply to: Zaphod58

18 by 2018, and 94 by 2021. With our aging KC-135's. In your opinion, is this enough?

a reply to: Bigburgh

There are two more replacement contracts coming up, and more KC-46s after that. There are a total of 179 KC-46s planned, including the 4 EMD aircraft. They still have the KC-10 replacement and another program to run.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Wow ATS is acting up again, thanks for the reply on other projects.

I rember the One of 95 (96 originally) KC-10's that flew right over my house. What a sight being very low with the runway 3 miles away.
Here's a quote from a PDF file. From 2013 though.

"Executive Summary
• DOT&E approved the post-Milestone B Test and Evaluation
Master Plan (TEMP) in January 2013. The TEMP approval
memorandum identified planned test program shortfalls that
require resolution prior to the Milestone C TEMP submittal.
• The KC-46A successfully completed the Critical Design
Review (CDR) in July 2013. DOT&E published an
Operational Assessment report on the program’s progress
toward IOT&E in June 2013 to support the CDR.
• Readiness for the scheduled start of IOT&E continues to be
high risk with a 6- to 12-month delay expected.
• The ALR-69A Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) has
effectiveness shortfalls that require resolution prior to
integration on the KC-46A. The contractor has made some
hardware and software changes to improve performance.
• The program has made advances in collecting and analyzing
live fire test data needed to address the KC-46A vulnerability
to dry bay fires."



Extender for anyone wondering.

Double post.