The Airbus Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) is based on the Airbus A330-200 passenger jet and has been designed to fulfill a number of roles in addition to operating as an in-flight refueling tanker. The plane has been selected for various missions by the governments of the United Kingdom, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, France, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and India. South Korea now will be added to that list.
Boeing’s answer to the MRTT is the KC-46A, which is based on a version of Boeing’s 767-200ER, dubbed the 767-2C, that has been modified with a strengthened main-deck cargo floor, cargo door and freighter features, 787-based cockpit, auxiliary fuel tanks and plumbing and wiring to support the refueling boom and mission systems. The sole customer for the KC-46A is the U.S. Air Force, which has ordered 179 of the planes. Boeing is scheduled to deliver the first 18 of the planes by August 2017.
South Korea’s order will be delivered in two batches: the first two in 2018 and the other two in 2019, according to a report at the Korea Herald.
ALSO READ: GAO Faults Air Force Decision to Retire the Warthog
What may have tipped the scales in favor of the Airbus MRTT is its availability. The plane is already flying and the South Koreans, who themselves have stalled with buying new tankers since the mid-1990s, wanted delivery in 2017. Apparently Airbus cannot meet that date for manufacturing reasons, but Boeing almost certainly would have pushed deliveries to South Korea out to at least 2019.
The first test flight of the modified Boeing 767-200ER took place last December, and the first test flight of a KC-46A has been delayed from April of this year to some unspecified date this summer. Boeing claims it can meet the schedule demands of the U.S. Air Force, but the schedule has gotten very tight and South Korea’s order likely would have been pushed out even further.
Take Charge of Your Retirement In Just A Few Minutes (Sponsor)
Retirement planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is finding expert guidance—and SmartAsset’s simple quiz makes it easier than ever for you to connect with a vetted financial advisor.
Here’s how it works:
- Answer a Few Simple Questions. Tell us a bit about your goals and preferences—it only takes a few minutes!
- Get Matched with Vetted Advisors Our smart tool matches you with up to three pre-screened, vetted advisors who serve your area and are held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. Click here to begin
- Choose Your Fit Review their profiles, schedule an introductory call (or meet in person), and select the advisor who feel is right for you.
Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of. Click here to get started today!
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
Our expert who first called NVIDIA in 2009 is predicting 2025 will see a historic AI breakthrough.
You can follow him investing $500,000 of his own money on our top AI stocks for free.