USAF Reviewing Boeing's Tanker Schedule After Setbacks: The US Air Force is reviewing Boeing's schedule for its KC-46 tanker to ensure the recapitalization program is still on track to meet a critical deadline as repeated setbacks threaten to derail the company's tight testing schedule.
Despite eating an $835 million pre-tax charge that stemmed from development issues with the integrated fuel system on the plane, as well as repeated delays of the first flight, Boeing is bullish about its ability to deliver 18 ready-to-go tankers to the Air Force by August 2017.
“Boeing is committed to delivering the initial 18 tankers by 2017 and we continue to talk daily with the Air Force on our progress,” Boeing spokeswoman Caroline Hutcheson said Aug. 25.
But the Air Force needs more convincing, Secretary Deborah Lee James indicated Monday during a press conference at the Pentagon.
