Avcorp Industries on Thursday announced a purchase agreement with Boeing for a prototype of its Ruddevator flight control system.
The Canada-based manufacturer said Boeing sought the Ruddevator to provide stabilization and directional control of air-to-air refueling booms for the U.S. Air Force’s fleet of KC-135 aerial refueling tankers. The prototype redesign will incorporate new processes and materials to enhance the Ruddevator’s performance.
"Avcorp is excited to be given this opportunity to further demonstrate our extensive and world-class Metal Bond technology and Assembly capabilities on the KC-135 Program," said Mark van Rooij, president and CEO of Avcorp.
Boeing is completed a preliminary design review of their next-generation KC-46A aerial refueling tanker, which it is developing to replace the Air Force’s fleet of KC-135s. They expect to deliver 18 combat-ready KC-46As by 2017.