USAF Boeing KC-46A Pegasus Tankers Struggle with Readiness as Mission-Capable Rates Decline
Reports indicate maintenance challenges, including bleed air duct failures and parts shortages, have significantly impacted availability. While the tanker has achieved full operational deployment, Boeing and the Air Force are working on upgrades to address deficiencies and improve fleet reliability.
Declining Readiness Rates
As of February 2025, the U.S. Air Force's KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling fleet continues to face challenges in meeting operational readiness goals. The latest report from the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) highlights that mission-capable rates have declined throughout 2024, falling short of the required 90% threshold. While specific figures for 2024 were not disclosed, data from 2023 indicated a mission-capable rate of 65%. When accounting for aircraft unable to perform their primary refueling mission due to issues like a malfunctioning boom, the effective mission-capable rate decreases by an additional 24% on average.
Großwald
Maintenance and Reliability Issues
Several factors contribute to these deficiencies, notably prolonged maintenance repair times exacerbated by parts shortages. A significant issue identified in late 2023 involves systemic failures of bleed air ducts, leading to increased maintenance demands and aircraft damage. This problem was escalated to a Category 1 deficiency due to the lack of acceptable workarounds and the substantial maintenance burden it imposes.
Operational Milestones Achieved
Despite these challenges, the KC-46A program has achieved operational milestones. In October 2024, the Pegasus commenced its first full-scale operational deployment after receiving approval for global combat operations in 2022. To date, Boeing has delivered 89 KC-46A tankers to the U.S. Air Force, with a total of 168 on contract.
Ongoing Capability Enhancements
Efforts to enhance the KC-46A's capabilities are ongoing. Software updates to the Radio Frequency Self Defense System (RFSDS) are underway to improve the tanker's survivability, with flight testing of RFSDS Version 6.0 expected to commence in the first quarter of 2025. These updates aim to provide clearer information to aircrews, supporting threat avoidance capabilities.
Future Challenges and Priorities
In summary, while the KC-46A Pegasus has demonstrated operational potential, it continues to face significant challenges in meeting mission-capable rate requirements. Addressing maintenance issues, parts shortages, and system deficiencies remains critical to achieving the desired operational readiness and effectiveness of the fleet.
Further sources: dote.osd.mil, Boeing, 18af
For similar initiatives at Germany's Luftwaffe read also about the A400M here on Grosswald.org:
Großwald
