The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) just released their 7th report on the contract with Boeing for KC-46 Tanker Modernization. This program will eventually replace approximately one-third of the US Air Force’s legacy aircraft fleet of refueling tankers. The current fleet is comprised mostly of KC-135 Stratotankers, this new program plans to eventually provide a total of 179 new KC-46 tanker aircraft otherwise known as the KC-46A Pegasus to the Air Force.
This GAO study pointed out a few risks and challenges Boeing currently faces. Things such as a critical deficiency relating to the aerial refueling boom, completing flight tests at a quicker pace, and updating test aircraft to the correct configuration as well as a few other challenges. “Because of the terms of the contract, Boeing, not the government, is responsible for nearly $1 Billion in additional development costs already incurred.”
GAO found that the total acquisition cost estimate was stable over the past year at $44.4 billion and actually decreased about $7.3 billion, due in part to stable requirements. The delivery date of the first 18 fully capable KC-46 aircraft was changed to October 2018. However risk assessments well as GAO’s analysis projects believe deliveries could slip to May 2019.
Tinker Air Force base where the KC-46A program office was established has already designed and is currently building a new depot maintenance complex in support of the new KC-46A’s. The US Army Corps of Engineers is the contracting agency for the building. DLA Aviation has also been issuing defense contracts in support of this program.
Read more about DLA KC-46 DOD contracts being awarded to Boeing.
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