Boeing: KC-46 tanker can survive EMP blast

By Rachel Cohen / July 28, 2017 at 10:13 AM

The KC-46 recently proved it could operate safely in electromagnetic fields, passing a key hurdle for the new tanker program, Boeing said in a July 27 press release.

Tests of the aircraft's hardening and shielding protections occurred at electromagnetic pulse and radiation facilities at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD, and Edwards Air Force Base, CA.

"During tests on the EMP pad at Patuxent River, the program's second low-rate initial production KC-46 received pulses from a large coil/transformer situated above the aircraft," the company said. "The outdoor simulation was designed to test and evaluate the KC-46's EMP protection while in flight."

188831