The U.S. Air Force approved construction for Lot 12 of the KC-46A Pegasus tanker program, an award worth $2.47 billion for Boeing Defense. The award covers 15 new aerial refueling jets, used to support USAF, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy aircraft, as well as those of several allied nations’ air defense services.
The KC-46A also can be used for cargo transport of evacuation flights.
“Getting on contract helps ensure production stability, including our long-lead supply chain, to continue delivering the unmatched capability of the KC-46A,” stated Jake Kwasnik, Boeing vice president and KC-46 program manager.
The aircraft is based on the Boeing 767-200ER and features a fly-by-wire refueling boom, a separate hose and drogue system, and a camera-based remote vision system for the boom operator.
Reportedly, the Pegasus is capable of in-flight refueling of “virtually every military aircraftv in the Western world.”
The tanker was introduced in January 2019, and 98 aircraft have been out into service for the USAF. In total there are 183 KC-46As under contract to U.S. and other nations. Boeing noted that the U.S. KC-46A fleet has accumulated more than 150,000 flight hours, which illustrates the aircraft’s use in training and operational sorties, as well as deployment missions around the world.
The manufacturer also said recent contract awards, including one from July 2024 focused on mission readiness and performance improvements, are improving the tanker’s capabilities. Upgrades now in progress will improve communications, data connectivity, and situational awareness.
