The US Air Force has awarded Boeing a $16.8 million contract for KC-46A software and data enhancements that will further advance the mission readiness and performance envelope of the world’s most advanced multi-mission tanker.

The contract includes upgrades to the Onboard Performance Tool software for expedited mission launch, with specific improvements for efficient cargo loading and takeoff and landing data management for flight planning. With these enhancements, aircrews will be able to complete weight and balance calculations more efficiently and load the aircraft and start missions quickly.

In 2023, the Air Force awarded Boeing a Block 1 upgrade contract, further enhancing the KC-46A’s advanced communications, data connectivity and situational awareness for aircraft survivability and operational advantage in contested environments.

The KC-46A can carry three times more cargo pallets, up to twice as many passengers and over 30% more aeromedical evacuation patients than the KC-135 aircraft fleet it is replacing.

To date, Boeing has delivered 84 KC-46As to the US Air Force and four to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

The technical data sheet of the airplane is attached to this AVIONEWS.