Boeing has signed an agreement with Alenia (of Italy) to jointly develop a tanker-transport version of the Boeing-767 for use by the Italian air force. Further export customers will be sought. The first aircraft could be delivered in 2004. The aircraft can be configured for fuel, cargo, or passengers. It will have three hose-and-drogue systems (allowing it to refuel three fighters at once) with the option to install a boom (optionally, with a remote-control system so no operator is needed in the tail).--Stephen V Cole