Air Force exploring options for next batch of midair refueling tankers
Mike Stone
WASHINGTON, June 16 (Reuters) - The U.S. Air Force said on Wednesday it is surveying the aircraft industry to learn if another manufacturer has the capacity or interest to make the next tranche of midair refueling tankers similar to the recently purchased KC-46.
The Air Force's newest refueling tankers, the KC-46 Pegasus made by Boeing Co (BA.N), have been plagued by performance challenges including defects with an on-board video system and the boom that connects the tanker to aircraft seeking refueling.
Despite the challenges the KC-46 aircraft faces, during Congressional testimony on Wednesday the Acting Secretary of the Air Force John Roth said "at this point we don't see the economic or business sense of recompeting the contract."
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/air-force-exploring-options-next-batch-midair-refueling-tankers-2021-06-16/
