U.S. Air Force Adds To Total 168 Aerial Refuelers

Boeing was awarded a contract from the U.S. Air Force (USAF) worth $2.38 billion to produce a5 additional KC-46A Pegasus aerial tankers under the Lot 11 procurement.

Boeing now has a total of 168 of the multi-mission aerial refueling aircraft on order globally that will serve both U.S. and international allies.

To date, Boeing has delivered 89 of the KC-46A Pegasus aircraft to the USAF, to accompany four units to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, which has a total of 6 on order. The company is also contracted for four units to the Israel Air Force.

Lynn Fox, VP and KC-46 program manager at Boeing said, “This is another significant milestone for our team, and we look forward to delivering the world’s most advanced multi-mission aerial refuelers for years to come.”

The Pegasus is based on the 767-2C commercial model and is produced on the 767 line in Everett, Washington. Boeing first secured the contract for the KC-X program in 2011 for 179 KC-46 aircraft to modernize the USAF’s fleet of aerial refuelers to replace the KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-10 Extender.

As a multi-mission aircraft the Pegasus is a strategic asset capable of cargo transport and medical evacuation missions in addition to refueling.

Boeing is expected to compete in a second round of procurement by the USAF. It will be known as the KC-Y and involve another 75 additional aircraft also based on a commercial airframe.

FMI:  www.boeing.com/