Boeing has secured a $2.47 billion Lot 12 contract to build 15 new KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling tankers for the U.S. Air Force, with deliveries scheduled through June 2029. The order ensures the continued operation of Boeing’s KC-46A production line into the late 2020s.
Global KC-46A Fleet Grows to 183 Aircraft
With Lot 12 awarded, a total of 183 KC-46A Pegasus aircraft are now delivered or on contract worldwide:
- 98 delivered to the U.S. Air Force
- 6 delivered to Japan
- 4 on contract for Israel
The award follows the previous Lot 11 purchase of 15 aircraft worth approximately $2.38 billion.
From Production Pause to Full Delivery Resumption
Earlier in 2025, KC-46A deliveries were temporarily halted after structural cracks were detected in final-assembly components. Boeing resolved the issue through inspections and targeted repairs. Deliveries resumed shortly afterward, adding multiple tankers to Travis AFB and pushing the U.S. fleet beyond 90 aircraft.
In parallel, the KC-46A continues a steady modernization path, including a July 2024 upgrade contract enhancing communications, connectivity, and situational awareness.
RVS 2.0: A Major Upgrade Milestone
A cornerstone of this modernization effort is Remote Vision System 2.0 (RVS 2.0)—a full redesign of the refueling camera suite addressing depth perception and contrast issues observed in the original system. Full operational capability is expected around 2027.
KC-46A Pegasus: Hybrid Airframe and Multi-Role Capability
The KC-46A is based on the 767-2C airframe, blending:
- The 767-200ER fuselage
- 767-300F wing, landing gear, cargo floor and cargo door
- 767-400ER-style digital flight deck
This hybrid configuration optimizes the aircraft for tanker, cargo and aeromedical missions while retaining commercial production efficiencies.
Key specifications:
- Length: 50.5 m
- Wingspan: 48.1 m
- MTOW: 188,240 kg
- Fuel capacity: 212,299 lbs (96,297 kg)
- Max speed: 1,046 km/h
- Range: 11,830 km
Twin PW4062 turbofans provide 62,000 lb thrust each.
Flexible Fueling Architecture
The KC-46A supports all U.S. and allied receiver aircraft thanks to its:
- Fly-by-wire boom
- Wing-mounted hose-and-drogue pods
- Centerline drogue
Boom transfer rate: 1,200 gallons per minute
Drogue systems: 400 gallons per minute
Global Deployment and Mission Expansion
Since achieving full operational approval in 2022, the KC-46A has:
- Surpassed 150,000 flight hours
- Supported global exercises and deployments
- Demonstrated 45-hour endurance during Project Magellan
- Operated as cargo transporter, passenger carrier, and aeromedical evacuation platform
Japan has already received six aircraft; Israel has four on contract with options for four more. Several nations — including India, Turkey, Indonesia, Canada, and UAE — continue to evaluate the aircraft against the Airbus A330 MRTT.
Future Expansion Plans
The U.S. Air Force is considering a Tanker Production Extension Program that could add up to 75 more KC-46A aircraft, potentially raising the total fleet to as many as 288 aircraft if all options are exercised.
