By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Reading: Another Problem for Boeing; Now it’s the KC-46 Tanker
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Font ResizerAa
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Signin Sign In
Follow US
Copyright © Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2025 | All Rights Reserved
Travel Radar - Aviation News > News > Another Problem for Boeing; Now it’s the KC-46 Tanker

Another Problem for Boeing; Now it’s the KC-46 Tanker

Travel Radar
Last updated: 4 April 2020 14:02
By Travel Radar Staff
4 Min Read
Share
© USAF
SHARE

Boeing still has the MAX grounded, it shuts down its manufacturing operations in Seattle, has next to no orders for its commercial aircraft, seriously negative cash flow and declines the US government offer of a bailout. That’s quite a few issues to deal with. But the American manufacturer has yet another problem—this time with its KC-46 Pegasus tanker aircraft.

The KC-46 is a replacement for the venerable KC-135 Stratotankers. Incredibly the KC-135 is based on the 707 airframe which retired from US civilian service in 1983. The KC-46 is built around the 767-200ER airframe, but with uprated engines, improved avionics and many other enhancements. It can double as a passenger aircraft with 114 seats and even as an aeromedical evacuation aircraft, but its primary role is a refueller carrying about 96 metric tons of fuel. There are a total of 179 on order, with deliveries up to 2027.

Despite Boeing having already delivered 33 to the US Air Force, there’s one problem.

KC-46 Pegasus Tanker ©USANG

They don’t work. The Air Force has identified 159 outstanding ‘noncompliances’ with the aircraft, and up until now has retained 20% of the value of each aircraft until Boeing fixes them. That amounts to a fair amount; $882 million to be exact.

There are four so-called ‘Category 1’ deficiencies—problems with a significant impact on operations or safety, but they boil down to two categories.

  • The Remote Vision System—or RVS—that allows the operator to manoeuvre the refuelling boom to the receiving aircraft. In older tankers, the operator looked through a window at the back of the aircraft and adjusted the boom with a joystick. In the KC-46 the operator is in the front of the tanker and uses a camera and sensor array to guide the boom. But in some lighting situations; in blue sky and with the sun directly ahead or behind the aircraft the picture is distorted. Several mishaps have occurred with the boom striking the receiving aircraft.

This is not good. Boeing is carrying out a patch-up approach to the current system but is obligated to retrofit all aircraft with a completely new system. This won’t be ready until 2023. The present boom doesn’t fit the A-10 either.

KC-46 © USAF
  • The KC-46 leaks fuel. It’s not supposed to. Boeing has found the solution and it takes about 10 days to fix each aircraft. So far seven of the 16 needing repair have been fixed.

So, quite rightly, the US Airforce has withheld the $882 million until Boeing fixes the defective aircraft. Now, it’s been revealed that the USAF will pay over the money to help out Boeing as a result of their struggles with the coronavirus.

It’s almost as if Boeing can’t be allowed to fail. But surely someone’s responsible? It seems not, at least not yet.

You Might Also Like

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Japan – a Symbol of Hope
Cessna plane makes emergency landing on Candon City road
Air Canada PR Strategy: Official Partner for EMEA and India
UK government launches ‘Aviation Passenger Charter’ to protect travellers
The IATA Disagrees with Aviation Sanctions on Russia
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link
What’s your thoughts?
Love0
Sad0
Happy0
Angry0
Travel Radar
ByTravel Radar Staff
Follow:
Articles from guest contributors wishing to remain anonymous are credited to this account. Want to contribute to Travel Radar either in-name, or anonymously? Get in touch: [email protected]
Previous Article SID, STAR – What do Pilots use while flying to Depart and Arrive into Airports?
Next Article MC-21: The Russian competitor to Boeing and Airbus?
Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Upvoted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Stay Connected

FacebookLike
TwitterFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe

Trending News

Bustling airport terminal with modern decor
Airport Services Redefining the Travel Experience
Airports Aviation Technology Travel
airBaltic aircraft
airBaltic Names Nearly 30 Aircraft After Baltic Cities
Aircraft Airlines Aviation
Landing of presidential aircraft, Air Force One
Spirit Pilots Scolded for Flying Too Close to Air Force One Carrying Trump
Aircraft Airlines Incidents & Accidents Travel Radar
Ryanair cuts 3 aircraft and 3 Vienna routes following a recent announcement made Sept. 17 stating the reason is due to high taxes and airport fees CEO of Ryanair, Michael O'Leary shares as 'ridiculously high' and 'harming'. The Billund, Santander, and Tallin routes from Vienna will be discarded for Winter 2025.
Ryanair Cuts 3 Aircraft and 3 Vienna Routes Amidst ‘Ridiculous’ Austrian Tax Inflation and Airport Fees
Aircraft Airlines Airports Aviation Route Development Travel
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) announces a major lounge upgrades across business class products and key destinations.
Scandinavian Airlines announces major business lounge updates
Airlines Aviation Travel
//

Travel Radar is the leading digital hub for all things aviation and air-travel. Discover our latest aviation news, aviation data, insight and analysis.

Discover

  • Latest News
  • Subscribe
  • Weekly Digest
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Media Coverage
  • Press & Events
  • Join Our Team
  • Our Brands

Signup to our Newsletter!

And get the latest aviation news via our weekly news digest!

© Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2015-2025 | ISSN #2635-0696 | Trademark #UK00003579704
wpDiscuz
adbanner
Welcome to the TR Community!

Sign in to your account

Not a member? Sign Up