The KC-46A Pegasus tanker is a reconfiguration of the Boeing 767 twin-engine wide-body passenger jet that can refuel all U.S., allied and coalition military aircraft, and carry passengers, cargo, and patients.

Boeing Wins $2.8-Billion Order for USAF Tankers

Aug. 19, 2016
Boeing Defense, Space & Security has a new, $2.8-billion U.S. Air Force contract to start low-rate initial production for two “production lots” of the KC-46A tanker aircraft. The first lot involves seven aircraft, while the second covers 12 aircraft. Including future options, Boeing expects to build 179 of these refueling and strategic airlift aircraft for the USAF.

Boeing Defense, Space & Security (Boeing Co. IW500/9) has a new, $2.8-billion U.S. Air Force contract to start low-rate initial production for two “production lots” of the KC-46A tanker aircraft. The first lot involves seven aircraft, while the second covers 12 aircraft. Including future options, Boeing expects to build 179 of these refueling and strategic airlift aircraft for the USAF.

This step follows a Defense Acquisition Board review and announcement that the KC-46 program completed “Milestone C” (a series of ground and flight tests) and is approved for initial production. Those tests included refueling flights with F-16, F/A-18, AV-8B, KC-10, C-17, and A-10 aircraft and a cargo handling demo.

The KC-46 Pegasus was developed by Boeing for military aerial refueling and strategic military transport, and is based on the twin-engine, wide-body platform long occupied by the 767 passenger jet program. In 20111, the design was selected by the USAF in a competition to replace its KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft.

Read More

American Machinist is an IndustryWeek companion site within Penton's Manufacturing & Supply Chain Group.


Popular Sponsored Recommendations

How Manufacturers Can Optimize Operations with Weather Intelligence

Nov. 2, 2023
The bad news? Severe weather has emerged as one of the biggest threats to continuity and safety in manufacturing. The good news? The intelligence solutions that build weather ...

Digital Production Tracking: How Connected Platforms with No-Code Deliver Value

Sept. 19, 2023
Manual tracking lacks the real-time visibility manufacturers need to identify root causes and remain competitive. Digital, connected production tracking is crucial for your operations...

Beat the odds. Optimize product costs. Mitigate supply chain issues.

Sept. 12, 2023
Leverage fact-based supplier negotiations. Enhance design. Get to market faster. Our comprehensive Should Cost Analysis guide shows you how.

You Cannot Stay Competitive by Bolting New Technologies to a Legacy ERP

Oct. 20, 2023
Read this white paper to understand the benefits of shifting to a next-generation ERP system as part of a DOP.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!