At the same time, the delivery of the KC-46A Pegasus to the USAF is being carried out by Boeing. The American manufacturer has been having problems with the boom (arm that connects to aircraft to perform REVO).
Some Fairchild Republic A-10 and Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots report that to connect on the boom, they needed "more power". With these due reports Boeing won a $55 million contract to redesign the Boom.
This extra force that the pilots need to do with the plane for it to be connected in fact, can bring a risk to both the aircraft, the one that supplies the fuel and the receiving aircraft, ranging from fighters, to large aircraft such as other KC- 46A, the B-52, C-17 Globemaster.
Another problem is also occurring with the KC-46's remote viewing system, a set of cameras used to guide the refueling boom into the aircraft's fuel receptacle. The reflection of the sun at certain angles is causing certain blackouts on the boom operator's screen, which will certainly make REVO operation difficult.
The last Pegasus delivery to the USAF was on the 8th and 9th of August, a total of 3 more units of the new refueler were delivered, which has the base fuselage of the Boeing 767. of the KC-135 tri-reactors.
Despite the initial delivery delay problems and the current situation, the KC-46A is refreshing for the USAF and has already completed important certifications as the first F-35A refueling and the first replenishment in a B-2 Spirit.
