USAF awards Boeing $2.38 billion contract for more Pegasus tankers

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USAF awards Boeing $2.38 billion contract for more Pegasus tankers

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Simple Flying | Simple Flying

By Sky Industry News

Nov 22, 2024

The United States Air Force (USAF) has signed a $2.38 billion contract with Boeing for the procurement of 15 additional KC-46A Pegasus tankers. This new agreement brings Boeing's total orders to 168 KC-46As, with nearly 90 already delivered to the USAF and four to Japan.

The USAF aims to modernize its aerial refueling fleet, expecting delivery of these tankers by June 2028. The KC-46A was approved for global combat operations in 2022 and completed its first operational deployment in October. Since entering service, it has logged over 100,000 flight hours and dispensed more than 200 million pounds of fuel.

Lynn Fox, vice president and KC-46 program manager at Boeing, stated, "This is another big milestone for our team, and we look forward to delivering the world’s most advanced multi-mission aerial refuelers for years to come."

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In addition to this contract, Boeing received a Block 1 upgrade contract worth $184 million in 2023 from the USAF to enhance communications capabilities. In July, a $16.8 million contract was awarded for software and data upgrades on the KC-46A.

Less than a year ago, the Air Force confirmed another order under Lot 10 for an additional 15 tankers from Boeing, scheduled for completion by the end of 2027.

The KC-46A represents a significant advancement over older tankers with capabilities suited for contested environments. It can also function as a transport aircraft accommodating up to 58 passengers or carrying up to 65,000 pounds of supplies.

Boeing has delivered a total of 89 airframes since deliveries began in 2019 and an additional four units were sent to Japan's Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). Japan plans further purchases following approval from US authorities.

The KC-46A Pegasus is integral to replacing aging models like the KC-135 Stratotanker as well as the recently retired KC-10 Extender tanker. Congress mandates maintaining at least 466 active-service tankers.

While continuing procurement of the KC-46A remains part of current strategy as older models are phased out, development is underway on the Next Generation Air Refueling System (NGAS), projected for mid-2030s service entry.