Boeing

The U.S. Air Force has awarded Boeing a contract modification for the delivery of nine Multipoint Refueling System (MPRS) kits.

This contract modification, valued at $23 million, provides for the fabrication of nine kits to include hardware and data required to convert nine KC-135R Stratotankers to the MPRS configuration. The addition of this modification brings the total number of production kits under contract to 11.

"The success that we are experiencing on this program is directly attributable to the very close working relationship that we have with our customer, the U.S. Air Force," said Bill Orcutt, MPRS program manager.

"This contract modification is an important next step in the continuation of that success and speaks positively about the faith our customer continues to have in the Boeing team."

The MPRS kits are used to install wing-mounted air refueling pods on the KC-135R to provide simultaneous air refueling to two U.S. Navy or NATO aircraft through the use of a "hose and drogue" system. The modified tankers will retain the capability to refuel U.S. Air Force aircraft with the existing air refueling boom.

Work on this latest contract modification will be performed by the Boeing Defense & Space Group, Product Support Division facilities in Wichita.