19 September 2019

AFA 2019: Remote vision system issues impede Boeing KC-46A progress

by Pat Host

Boeing is making progress on resolving problems with its KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling tanker’s remove vision system (RVS), but two complex issues impede further advancement, according to a top US Air Force (USAF) official.

General Maryanne Miller, Air Mobility Command (AMC) chief, told reporters on 18 September at the Air Force Association’s (AFA’s) annual conference that these two RVS issues are the acuity of the system and depth plane compression. The acuity issue, she said, is giving refuelers 20/50 vision. Perfect vision is considered 20/20. The RVS allows boom operators to monitor and direct refueling with receiver aircraft.

A pair of issues with the KC-46A's remove vision system are holding up Boeing's progress with fixing the troublesome component. (Boeing)

Gen Miler said depth plane compression is how far the aerial refueling boom is from the target aircraft. Both Boeing and USAF teams have been working through possible solution sets for these two issues that Gen Miller called complex and that she expects these to be presented within a couple of months. Boeing will be graded pass or fail on these two remaining RVS issues, she said. Otherwise, Gen Miller said, the company is making progress on the other seven critical performance parameters.

Gen Miller said a new Category 1 deficiency has emerged with the aircraft’s floor locks. Category 1 deficiencies are urgent issues with no workarounds. Boeing spokesman Charles Ramey said on 18 September that the company is pursuing two paths to resolve this issue.

Boeing is making progress on resolving problems with its KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling tanker’s re...

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