Boeing Delivers First KC-767 Tanker to Japan


http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2008/q1/080219e_nr.html






ST. LOUIS, Feb. 19, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today delivered the first Japan KC-767 Tanker to the Itochu Corp., for Japan's Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). It is the first aerial refueling aircraft in Japan's history.

"The KC-767 will have an immediate impact and significantly increase Japan's capabilities," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. "This delivery also confirms Boeing's standing as the world's leading provider of aerial refueling tankers and continues our company's proud 75-year history of producing tankers."

The 12-hour non-stop flight to Gifu, Japan, near Nagoya, originated in Wichita, Kan., near Boeing's tanker modification center, following a final review by Japan Ministry of Defense (MoD) Air Staff. Itochu will deliver the KC-767 Tanker to the MoD following in-country acceptance processes.

Japan has ordered four convertible freighter 767s, providing flexibility in carrying cargo or passengers while maintaining its primary role as an aerial refueling tanker. It features Boeing's advanced aerial refueling boom and Remote Aerial Refueling Operator (RARO II) system. Boeing will deliver the second Japan tanker immediately following acceptance of this first Japan delivery.

Additionally, Boeing is building four tankers for Italy with delivery of the first two aircraft planned in 2008. The KC-767 also is Boeing's offering in the U.S. Air Force's KC-X competition for its next-generation tanker aircraft. Since the 1930s, Boeing has built and delivered more than 2,000 tankers that feature the world's most advanced aerial refueling method with the highest fuel transfer rate available.

well this mofo holds a lot more fuel than the H6 tankers

but H6 can refuel two at a time. chinese have been refueling since 1999

these things are easy to track with satellite. just bomb them on the runway with missiles in the first 30 minutes.

The probe type has higher pumping ratio compared to the boom type, making each fueling faster.

In any case, I doubt even US--much less China--has the capability to hit a target within 30 minutes of statellite detection. US is working on the minute-to-hour striking capability with hypersonic attack missiles, but even then it is a stretch considering the processing time of satellite images.

Japan would also have countermeasure to most strike methods with their air defense networks.

Satellite strikes are usually for stationed object. Like bases and supplies.

China doesn't have anything that can strike deep inland in Japanese bases, let alone within 30 minutes of detection.

^ df-15 covers okinawa

OK, I overlooked Okinawa. Good point. But Okinawa is already a forward deploying base so it may be less likely that tankers would be put forward there in the first place. Plus, one can't overlook the usual PAC-3 defenses there either.

Finally, in a battle scenario, it's likely that some tankers will be in the air 24/7 and some will be on the ground 24/7 - thus reducing the potential for a tanker to be caught on the ground by attack.

you're probably right. these will be held behind the front lines. usa does keep tankers and e-3's in kadena though.

is japan only planning to get 4 of these?

For now. But Japan has historically purchased items in subsequent lots, like most foreign arms importers. It could be that after the first 4 tankers, Japan will place additional orders for 2 more, and maybe 2 more after that, so that it becomes 4+2+2 = 8 tankers. Just a guess.

oh noes all the encirclement

* china surrenders~~~ *

that thing looks like a big beluga whale

airbus beluga

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