Italian Air Force Receives 1st Tanker From Boeing

ROME - The Italian Air Force took delivery on Jan. 27 of the first of four Boeing KC767-A tanker aircraft it has acquired.

The aircraft, MM 62229, flew from Boeing's Wichita, Kan., facility to the Italian Air Force's Pratica di Mare base south of Rome for a hand-over ceremony, the Air Force said in a statement.

"The second aircraft, which should be delivered in the coming months, is now undergoing tests at Boeing," added the statement.The aircraft will now "undergo a series of tests and activities" before entering service, the statement said.

Boeing has previously said that the last two of the four aircraft would feature "enhanced capabilities," without giving details.

The KC767-A replaces the B-707T/T tanker previously flown by the Italian Air Force. It is configured for troop and cargo transport, as well as refueling from a rear boom and three hose and drogues - one under each wing and one under the main fuselage.readmore