Recent tests at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio involved the Boeing KC-46A Pegasus military aerial refueling aircraft connecting in-flight with an F-16 Fighting Falcon on July 8 and a C-17 Globemaster III on July 12. These tests with the F-16 and C-17 were in support of the Milestone C requirements to “rendez-vous, contact and transfer” fuel to several receiver aircraft types.
An initial attempt with the F-16 earlier this year was successful, however higher-than-expected axial loads on the boom were detected. These loads were again present during the initial attempt with the C-17 and necessitated installation of hydraulic pressure relief valves in the boom.
This week’s successful tests show the boom axial loads hardware fix, designed by Boeing engineers, is performing as expected to alleviate the loads. The final Milestone C flight test is to transfer fuel through the fixed boom to an A-10 Thunderbolt. That test is slated to occur this month.