Boeing will manufacture an additional fifteen KC-46A Pegasus tankers as part of a Lot 10 deal granted by the United States Air Force and valued at $2.3 billion. One hundred fifty-three KC-46A multi-mission aerial refuelers are currently under contract worldwide, which provides the combined force and its allies with competitive advantages in terms of advanced capabilities.
The KC-46A Pegasus has already been referred to as a “game changer” due to its capacity to transmit and exchange data, which enables rapid air mobility, global reach, and agile combat employment. Its capabilities include aerial refuelling, transportation of cargo and passengers, support for aeromedical evacuation, and data connectivity at the tactical edge.
The United States Air Force gave Boeing a Block 1 upgrade contract earlier this year. Line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight communications technologies, together with anti-jamming and encryption capabilities, are included in the contract, which is worth 184 million dollars.
According to Boeing, the KC-46A already provides more effective data integration and more secure communications than any other tanker. This provides the crew and the fleet with situational awareness, enabling them to make real-time decisions. Through the delivery of data and fuel to the joint force, the KC-46A is redefining the role of the tanker for the 21st century. Additionally, it will continue enhancing its battlespace network capabilities, including integrating the Advanced Battle Management System.
The United States Air Force Air Mobility Command (AMC) approved the KC-46A to be used in global combat operations in 2022. When it comes to operational connectivity and situational awareness, the KC-46A has shown that it can change the game, according to leaders of the AMC.
Boeing has delivered 69 KC-46A tankers to the United States Air Force, and two have been delivered to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Additionally, Boeing has a contract to provide four KC-46A tankers to the Israel Air Force. A total of 153 KC-46A multi-mission aerial refuelers are now under contract worldwide due to the awarding of the Lot 10 deal.
Boeing manufactures KC-46A aircraft on the 767 production line in Everett, Washington. This production line is supported by a supplier network that includes over 37,000 American workers who are employed by more than 650 firms located in more than 40 states in the United States.
