May 17, 2011 by Aubrey Cohen - seattlepi.com
The first KC-767 tanker for the Italian Air Force leaves Boeing's tanker modification facility in Wichita, Kan., in January 2010 on its ferry flight to Italy. (Boeing)
Boeing’s first two KC-767 aerial refueling tankers for the Italian Air Force formally entered into service Tuesday.
Boeing delivered the aircraft on Dec. 29 and March 10 at its tanker modification facility in Wichita, Kan. Italian crews then flew the tankers to the air base at Pratica di Mare and started training missions.
Boeing said it is working with the Italian Air Force to put the third KC-767 aircraft into the acceptance process for anticipated delivery this summer, with the fourth and final tanker to follow “shortly thereafter.”
The Italian KC-767s are replacing 707-based tankers and can be configured to carry all passengers, all cargo or a combination. They have a refueling boom and wing pod and centerline hose and drogue systems, and a refueling receptacle.
Boeing also has delivered four KC-767 tankers to Japan and won a contract to build 179 767-based KC-46A tankers for the U.S. Air force.
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