BAE Systems to design, test, deliver boom actuator control unit for Boeing KC-46A tanker

ENDICOTT, N.Y., 22 May 2012.BAE Systems won a contract to design, develop, test, and produce the Actuator Control Unit (ACU) for the Boom Actuation Control System of the Boeing KC-46A tanker.

The ACU provides the control interfaces for the aerial refueling boom’s movement. The aerial refueling operator uses a boom flight control stick to initiate boom commands, which are processed by the ACU to control the boom actuators.

Boeing, in 2011, selected BAE Systems to provide the Interior Control Panel for the KC-46A. The panel’s touch-screen technology and user-friendly interface enable aircrew to control a variety of interior functions, such as lighting, potable water, and waste tanks on the new aerial refueling and strategic transport aircraft.

The KC-46 tanker program will modify a Boeing 767 to produce a civil and military-certified convertible aircraft capable of tanker, troop transport, and cargo missions. The tanker will have the capability to operate day and night, in all weather conditions, under modern domestic and international regulations for civil airspace. This modification will retain the Federal Aviation Administration certified flight, navigation, and communication capabilities of the basic commercial airplane, and include provisions and/or installations for military communication, identification, and navigation equipment. First flight of the tanker is expected in 2014.

Engineering and development work on the program will be conducted in Endicott, N.Y., with manufacturing at the BAE Systems facility in Ft. Wayne, Ind.