Beth Stevenson

Boeing has begun assembling the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s (JASDF) new 767-derived KC-46A tanker, the first of two on order for the service that are being delivered under a Foreign Military Sale. The first aircraft was ordered in 2017 and the second in 2018 as a contract option under a deal that could result in up to four Pegasus aircraft being acquired for Japan. In mid-September the OEM started assembly at Everett, Washington, with a wing spar.
Japan is the first export customer for the aircraft, and will receive the aircraft in 2021, joining the U.S. Air Force in operating the type. The first U.S. example <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2019-01-10/boeing-set-deliver-first-kc-46-air-force">went into service in January</a>. It will be certified to refuel all USAF, U.S. Navy, and JASDF aircraft, Boeing notes, bolstering U.S.-Japanese defense ties.
“This is an exciting day for the program and we look forward to building and delivering these multi-role tankers to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force,” said Jamie Burgess, Boeing’s vice president and KC-46 program manager. “From the enhanced flight deck to the modernized boom, this tanker will provide unmatched capabilities for Japan.”
However, while Boeing is celebrating kicking off assembly of the JASDF aircraft, problems are still surfacing for the troubled Pegasus program, which has, to date, resulted in deliveries to the U.S. Air Force being suspended following debris being left in delivered aircraft. Previous concerns have been centered on problems with the aerial refueling systems and the remote vision system that aids tanking.
The aircraft is designed to be able to carry passengers, cargo and patients in addition to acting as a tanker, but in September it was revealed by the U.S. Air Mobility Command that there were concerns regarding the cargo lock functionality during recent flights. As a result, the aircraft are no longer permitted to perform cargo&nbsp;or passenger operations&nbsp;until the issue is resolved, it has been reported.

<figure style="margin:0;">
<div style="margin-bottom:5px;"><img alt data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6071d5ac-5a4e-4924-a882-e48ad5b4b712" src="/sites/default/files/kc-46-c-boeing.jpg" width="1000" height="548" loading="lazy"></div>
<figcaption style="font-size:1.5rem;line-height:1.2;font-style:italic;">One of the KC-46A trials aircraft refuels an F-15E. Following recent issues, the operaional fleet has been restricted to tanker-only missions. (photo: Boeing)</figcaption>
</figure>

As of the end of August, Boeing claimed that it had delivered 19 KC-46 aircraft to the USAF and, while there are ongoing problems with the development, its first export customer remains committed to the program. Japan is reportedly considering more Pegasus aircraft in addition to the four that have been authorized so far.
Israel is also reportedly interested in eight examples to replace its mixed fleet of aging tankers, while the United Arab Emirates has also been revealed as a potential customer for the aircraft, despite the Middle Eastern nation already being an operator of the Airbus Defence &amp; Space A330-derived Multi-role Tanker Transport.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Assembly for Japan’s First KC-46A Begins; Problems Continue for USAF Program

Japan is the first export customer for the KC-46, and expects to get its first of an initially approved batch of four aircraft in 2021

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Ultra-long-range model has amassed 75 records, many from customer trips

Speed Records Abound for Bombardier's Global 7500

We talk through the process from conception to delivery

Flying Privately: How Aircraft Like the Bombardier Global 7500 Come to Life

Hanneke Weitering

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

AltiSky will assemble, sell, and service VoltAero's aircraft

VoltAero Picks U.S. Distributor for Cassio Hybrid-electric Aircraft 

Jennifer Leach English

Company noncommittal on expanding its lineup upwards, citing $1B investment cost

Embraer’s Plans for a Larger Bizjet Remain Up in the Air

Operations ebbed, backlogs were steady, and available aircraft increased

GJC: Bizjet Market Continues To Stabilize in 3Q2024

Greenville-based charter operator pre-orders 10 eVTOL air taxis

SAI Flight To Operate SkyDrive eVTOL in South Carolina

Charles Alcock

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

More In Aircraft

Speed Records Abound for Bombardier's Global 7500

Ultra-long-range model has amassed 75 records, many from customer trips

Flying Privately: How Aircraft Like the Bombardier Global 7500 Come to Life

We talk through the process from conception to delivery

VoltAero Picks U.S. Distributor for Cassio Hybrid-electric Aircraft

AltiSky will assemble, sell, and service VoltAero's aircraft

Embraer’s Plans for a Larger Bizjet Remain Up in the Air

Company noncommittal on expanding its lineup upwards, citing $1B investment cost

GJC: Bizjet Market Continues To Stabilize in 3Q2024

Operations ebbed, backlogs were steady, and available aircraft increased

SAI Flight To Operate SkyDrive eVTOL in South Carolina

Greenville-based charter operator pre-orders 10 eVTOL air taxis

AMSL Starts Untethered Flight Tests with Vertiia eVTOL Aircraft

Australian start-up is developing a hydrogen-powered aircraft

Deliveries Increase as EHang Works to Boost eVTOL Aircraft Performance

Chinese manufacturing wants to extend range with solid-state batteries

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN