The Boeing test team successfully completed the first flight of the program’s second KC-46A tanker aircraft on March 2, 2016, taking off from Paine Field and landing later at Boeing Field in Seattle.

During the flight, Boeing test pilots performed operational checks on engines, flight controls and environmental systems. As part of the overall flight test program, the KC-46 will demonstrate it can refuel 18 different aircraft. The second tanker will help share the test load and receiver certification.

The KC-46A is a multirole tanker Boeing is building for the U.S. Air Force that can refuel all allied and coalition military aircraft compatible with international aerial refueling procedures and can carry passengers, cargo and patients. Overall, Boeing plans to build 179 KC-46 aircraft for the U.S. Air Force.