Total Pegasus Fleet to Climb to 128 Aircraft

The U.S. Air Force has awarded Boeing a stout $2.3 billion contract for the 9th production lot of 15 KC-46A Pegasus tankers.

The order brings the Air Force's future collection of Pegasi up to 128, with 68 currently operational all over the globe. The KC-46A has been a focus point for Boeing's efforts to nail down some technical issues in all-weather refueling, but development seem to have ironed most of them out. 

In 2022, the U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command finally approved the KC-46A for global operations, including combat deployment. Not long after, the Pegasus was used for a 42-hour endurance flight before showing a 95% mission readiness rate in a series of global deployment exercises. The KC-46A Pegasus delivers crucial fuel and data for the fleet, as well as cargo, personnel and aeromedical transportation for worldwide mobility.

“The combat-ready KC-46A is transforming the role of the tanker for the 21st century,” said James Burgess, vice president and KC-46 program manager. “We’re proud to work side-by-side with the Air Force ensuring the Pegasus provides unmatched capabilities and continues to evolve for the U.S. and its allies’ global mission needs.”

Currently, Boeing is contracted for 138 KC-46A Pegasus tankers to customers around the world. Boeing has delivered 2 of 6 KC-46A tankers on order to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, with 4 more for the Israel Air Force.

FMI: www.boeing.com