The in-flight refuelling was conducted as part of a test to ensure that the hydraulic pressure relief valves are installed to correct higher-than-expected axial loads in the KC-46A boom.
During testing, Boeing’s hardware solution was found to alleviate the problem associated with the boom axial loads.
USAF Secretary Deborah Lee James said: "I'm encouraged by these results.
These tests with the F-16 and C-17 are in line with the milestone C requirements to rendezvous, contact and transfer fuel to several receiver aircraft types.
"The KC-46 programme continues to move forward, making important progress that will get this vital capability into the hands of the warfighter.”
The final milestone C flight test to transfer fuel through the fixed boom to an A-10 Thunderbolt II is expected to take place later this month.
USAF acquisition principal deputy assistant secretary Darlene Costello said: "Once complete with the A-10, we will request approval from Mr. Frank Kendall, undersecretary of defence for acquisition, technology and logistics, to award production Lots 1 and 2, totalling 19 KC-46A aircraft.”
The 50.4m-long multirole tanker is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW 4062 engines to refuel all US, allied and coalition military aircraft compatible with international aerial refuelling procedures.
Designed to carry passengers, cargo and patients, The Boeing-built aircraft can detect, avoid, defeat and survive threats using multiple layers of protection.
Image: A KC-46A prototype during a test flight. Photo: courtesy of Ken Fielding.
