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| Boeing Receives Contract To Upgrade US Air Force's KC-46A Tanker Communications System |
International Military - Boeing has been awarded a $184 million contract to upgrade the advanced communications capabilities of the KC-46A Pegasus Block 1 tanker aircraft from the US Air Force (USAF).
The enhancements include line-of-sight (LOS) and beyond-line-of-sight (BOS) communication technologies with anti-interference and encryption capabilities. These features will further enhance the KC-46A's data and communication connectivity with joint and allied forces for battlefield situation awareness.
The KC-46A offers more secure communications and more data integration than any other tanker. This is useful in real-time decision making, said the USAF.
By providing data and fuel to joint forces, the KC-46A extends roles beyond tankers for the 21st century. The aircraft will continue to expand its battlespace network capabilities, including the integration of the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS), the USAF added.
In 2022, the Air Mobility Command (AMC) of the US Air Force approved the KC-46A for global combat operations. Boeing builds the KC-46A aircraft on the 767 production line in Everett, Washington, which is supported by a supplier network of 37,000 US workers. More than 650 companies in more than 40 US states are participating.
To date, Boeing has delivered 69 KC-46A units to the US Air Force and two units to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). Boeing has also been awarded a contract to deliver four KC-46A tankers to the Israeli Air Force.