The U.S. Air Force has awarded Boeing a $2.3 billion contract for 15 additional KC-46A Pegasus tanker aircraft. Boeing delivered the first KC-46As to the Air Force in 2019 and the aircraft was approved for global operations last year. According to Boeing, 128 Pegasus tankers are currently on contract with the Air Force with 68 delivered so far.
“The combat-ready KC-46A is transforming the role of the tanker for the 21st century,” said James Burgess, Boeing vice president and KC-46 program manager. “We’re proud to work side-by-side with the Air Force ensuring the Pegasus provides unmatched capabilities and continues to evolve for the U.S. and its allies’ global mission needs.”
Designed as a multi-mission aerial refueler, the KC-46A can also be used for cargo, personnel and aeromedical transportation. The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW 4062 engines and has a fuel capacity of 212,299 pounds. As previously reported by AVweb, the model struggled with a series of issues including problems with its remote-vision system and the refueling boom as well as defective cargo locks.
