06 April 2020

Covid-19: US Air Force, Boeing reach deal on KC-46A fixes and funding

by Pat Host

Boeing and the US Air Force (USAF) on 2 April reached deals on a final fix for the KC-46A Pegasus aerial refuelling tanker’s troublesome remote vision system (RVS) and a release of previously withheld funding for delivery non-compliance.

The new RVS, which USAF Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (AT&L) Will Roper described on 2 April as a complete transformative design, will include 4K high-definition colour cameras with proper viewing geometry, operator stations with larger screens, a laser range-finder for refuelling aircraft distance measurement, and boom assistance augmented reality.

A KC-46A Pegasus prepares to land on 28 July 2019 at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Boeing and the USAF reached an agreement on a revamp for the KC-46A’s troublesome remote vision system (RVS). (US Air Force)

Roper said that this RVS redesign will bring the KC-46A closer to tanking autonomously or semi-autonomously. The USAF, with the help of scientists and engineers from both enterprises, will lead design reviews and approve specifications to drive the partnership toward initial fielding in 2023.

The USAF is also providing Boeing with USD882 million from withheld payments for previous non-compliance in 33 KC-46A deliveries. This withhold release is in line with USAF and Pentagon policies to maximise cash flow, where prudent, to combat coronavirus impacts on the industry base, according to a service statement.

The USAF and Boeing will conduct an expedited process within 120 days to determine final specification compliance or non-compliance. Roper said this agreement does not prevent the air force from withholding further payments from Boeing in the future.

Boeing and the US Air Force (USAF) on 2 April reached deals on a final fix for the KC-46A Pegasus ae...

Jane's Find unrivaled intelligence, consultancy and advertising solutions to the defence and national security sectors.