Boeing is to build an additional 15 KC-46A Pegasus tankers under a ‘Lot 10 contract’ awarded by the US Air Force and valued at $2.3 billion. This latest order means that 153 KC-46A multi-mission aerial refuelers are now on contract globally.
Lynn Fox, vice president and KC-46 programme manager, said: “We appreciate our partnership with the US Air Force, which allows for the expansion of the capacity and capability of the KC-46A fleet. We understand the advantages that KC-46 capabilities give; and in the current global environment, we continue to focus our investments on evolving the aircraft for the changing needs of the mission. With a supplier network of about 37,000 American workers employed by more than 650 businesses throughout more than 40 US states, the combat-proven KC-46A is transforming the role of the tanker for the 21st century.
“From aerial re-fuelling, cargo and passenger transportation, aeromedical evacuation support, and data connectivity at the tactical edge, the KC-46A Pegasus has already been called a ‘game changer’ for its ability to transmit and exchange data, enabling rapid air mobility, global reach, and Agile Combat Employment.”
Earlier this year, the USAF awarded Boeing a ‘Block 1 upgrade contract’ that added more advanced communications capabilities to enhance the aircraft’s data connectivity and situational awareness. To date, Boeing has delivered 76 KC-46As to the USAF and two to the Japan Air Self-Defence Force.