Boeing outlines the global tanker opportunity

Citation

(2004), "Boeing outlines the global tanker opportunity", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 76 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2004.12776aaf.011

Boeing outlines the global tanker opportunity

Boeing outlines the global tanker opportunity

Keywords: Boeing, Tankers, Defense

Boeing recently outlined its global tanker programme that in its opinion offers major competitive advantage in operations, logistics and growth – and through its in-built interoperability with the US, from the design and development stage, ultimately delivers superior combat effectiveness.

“Technology growth that draws upon investment in research and development will enable tankers to play a major role in command and control and network centric operations, as tankers are ever present on air operations and have the payload capability to integrate new sensors and communications technologies,” said, Bob Gower, Vice-President for Tanker Programmes, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems.

“We are clear in our understanding that British industry has the potential to deliver excellent value for our 767 customers worldwide. The global tanker programme is a huge opportunity to enhance existing UK capabilities in the aerial refuelling industry and access an addressable market of some US $100 billion,” he continued.

Currently, an international team of more than 1,300 people are working on tanker design, development and modification in the US, UK and Italy. Boeing sees integrated fleet support as essential and has adapted the proven processes of the C-17 programme to ensure system availability. Proximity trials and over 1,100 h of wind tunnel testing have determined the optimal placement of the pods, and Smiths Aerospace's design and development of the hose reel is scheduled for completion in 2004.

Boeing expects numerous UK businesses to play a major role in the global tanker programme. The export opportunities, coupled with the introduction of new technologies and production techniques, fully support the UK Ministry of Defence's defence industrial policy.

The Boeing Company is the largest aerospace company in the world and the United States' leading exporter. It is NASA's largest contractor and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft. The company's capabilities in aerospace also include rotorcraft, electronic and defence systems, missiles, rocket engines, launch vehicles, satellites, and advanced information and communication systems. The company has an extensive global reach with customers in 145 countries.