Air Force Approves KC-46A Tanker for Worldwide Deployment, Including Combat Operations

The Pegasus tanker offloaded 1.46 million pounds of fuel to 66 aircraft over the course of 206 flight hours.

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at 02:45 PM ET

Verified

The U.S. Air Force approved the Boeing KC-46A Pegasus tanker for worldwide deployment, including support of combat operations, following a recent employment concept exercise in the U.S. Central Command area of operations. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

Boeing's KC-46A Pegasus tanker has been approved by the U.S. Air Force for worldwide deployment, including support for combat operations, concluding a 15-month interim capability release.
Beyond its refueling capabilities for most fixed-wing aircraft, the KC-46A is a "game changer" for its ability to airlift cargo and transmit real-time battlefield data.
Despite full operational approval, the aircraft's Remote Vision System (RVS) continues to face challenges with video display issues, though an upgrade is planned for 2024.
There is growing international interest in the KC-46A, with Boeing anticipating new buyers for the multi-role tanker/cargo aircraft.

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Boeing’s [NYSE: BA] KC-46A Pegasus tanker is now approved for worldwide deployment, including in support of combat operations, according to the U.S. Air Force’s Air Mobility Command (AMC).

The development follows a recent combat employment concept exercise and wraps up a 15-month Interim Capability Release that ensures the tanker could refuel all aircraft, Air Force officials said.