Aircraft

Boeing has successfully demonstrated its KC-767 Remote Vision System (RVS), which provides high-definition stereoscopic imagery to the tanker's boom operator stationed behind the cockpit.

The goal of RVS is to improve safety for tanker aircrews and the aircraft receiving fuel. The RVS's cameras are mounted on the aircraft's fuselage.

During the demonstration the Boeing flight crew activated the RVS and evaluated the system using a Cessna Citation in the receiver's position. "This advanced technology will give KC-767 air crews wingtip-to-wingtip visibility behind their aircraft. In addition to improving safety RVS will enhance all-weather, day/night refuelling capabilities," says Boeing vice-president for tanker programmes Mark McGraw.

Following the RVS flight the Boeing KC-767 flew to Edwards Air Force Base in California where it completed two weeks of take-off performance testing and certification required by the US Federal Aviation Administration.

Since its first flight in May 2005 the KC-767 Tanker has logged more than 120 flights and 360 hours. Boeing is building tankers for both Italy and Japan, with deliveries to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force due in February 2007, and then Italy in mid-2007.