Boeing Commercial Aircraft has selected Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse SAS, Toulouse (France), to design, develop, supply and service the Nitrogen Enriched Air Inerting System (NEAIS) regulation valves for the KC-46 Tanker Program.

The KC-46A aircraft is a multi-role tanker derivative of Boeing's successful 767 Program. Boeing has been selected by the US Air Force to deliver 179 of the next-generation aerial refuelling tankers. The airplane will feature additional systems compared to the Boeing 767, most notably additional fuel tanks and related safety systems.

The regulation valves monitor the air ducted to the system that inerts the fuel tanks as fuel is gradually leaving the tank in order to prevent fuel fume-igniting conditions.

Liebherr-Aerospace has designed high-reliability, weight-optimised pneumatic valves for this system, derived from existing components developed for commercial aviation, with a proven in-service track record and specifically adapted to the demanding requirements of this special mission aircraft.
It is the third time that Boeing has selected Liebherr for a critical system. Liebherr previously designed the Boeing 747-8 air conditioning and engine bleed and anti-ice systems and the Boeing 777-200 LR auxiliary fuel tank pressurization system.