Liebherr-Aerospace Onboard the KC-46A Tanker
Boeing KC-46A Refueling Test of F/A-18 Hornet – Copyright Boeing
On January 10, 2019, the United States Air Force took delivery of the first two KC-46A tankers in Everett, Washington. The 767 derivative aircraft incorporates Liebherr components and systems that are critical to in-flight refueling, the core mission of the aircraft.
Valve made by Liebherr for the KC-46A Nitrogen Enriched Air Inerting System
First is the Nitrogen Enriched Air Inerting System (NEAIS) that includes regulation valves designed and manufactured by Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse SAS (France), Liebherr’s competence center for air management systems. These valves monitor and regulate the nitrogen-enriched air that is ducted into the fuel tanks as they are emptied, replacing the fluid volume with inert air to prohibit ignition conditions.
These weight-optimized pneumatic valves were derived from existing components utilized in commercial aviation with a proven track record, then adapted and qualified to the requirements of this aircraft.
Second, Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg GmbH (Germany), Liebherr’s competence center for flight controls, landing gear systems, gears, gearboxes as well as electronics, is providing the refueling hose drum drive system (HDDS) for the KC-46A. Delivered as part of the wing aerial refueling pod (WARP) system from Cobham, the HDDS is a geared motor, controller and dump resistor package that deploys and retrieves the refueling hose. The electrically driven system avoids the need for access to the aircraft’s hydraulic system, aiding installation and function in remote wing locations.
Furthermore, Liebherr-Elektronik GmbH, Lindau (Germany), Liebherr’s competence center for electronic assemblies and components, has developed for the HDDS the motor control electronic with dual redundant motor/brake control.
