Boeing Defense & Space Group Wins KC-135 Multipoint Refueling System Contract

WICHITA, Kan., Oct. 10, 1995 -- The U.S. Air Force has selected Boeing Defense & Space Group, Product Support Division (PSD), to increase the versatility of the KC-135R Stratotanker by adding wing-mounted "hose and drogue" refueling pods.

The Engineering, Manufacturing and Development contract is valued at approximately $24.4 million.

In addition to procuring two hose and drogue refueling pods and pylons, this Multipoint Refueling System (MPRS) contract calls for PSD modification professionals to engineer, manufacture, develop and install provisions for those pods and allied instrumentation on one U.S. Air Force operational KC-135R aircraft.

That aircraft is due to arrive at the Boeing Wichita facility in about a year from now. The contract also calls for Boeing to prepare a draft Time Compliance Technical Order for installation instructions, and to conduct ground and flight testing of the modification to verify and validate performance. The contract also contains options that, if taken, could result in a major refueling modification effort for PSD.

"We are delighted to have been selected by the Air Force to provide this further flexibility to the mainstay of their air refueling aircraft inventory," said William Orcutt, MPRS program manager.

According to David Baker, PSD vice president and general manager, the contract will offer further stability to the PSD work force but will not lead to increases in employment.

The Product Support Division is the Defense & Space Group center of excellence for military aircraft system modification.