A KC-46A Pegasus refuels an F-22 Raptor, and an F-16 awaits a turn over the Mojave Desert near Edwards Air Force Base in California on March 3, 2026. (U.S. Air Force)
The Air Force’s KC-46A Pegasus tanker has not reached full operational standards despite being deployed in restricted service, a key Pentagon report said Tuesday.
The Pentagon’s Director, Operational Test and Evaluation annual report said two components of the refueling system have yet to pass tests meant to remove limitations on its use.
The issues are with the Remote Vision System and the Boom Telescope Actuator.
In-flight refueling system operators use the Remote Vision System to connect with a plane needing fuel. Unlike other refueling aircraft, the KC-46A uses a tail-mounted camera that feeds an image to the refueler, with software that creates a depth perception image that gives a daylight, night and infrared image. The boom operator sees this image on a 3D display and uses the Boom Telescope Actuator to extend and retract the refueling boom to the receiving plane.
“The KC-46A has not been able to meet several suitability metrics in past years, and this trend has continued through FY25,” the report said. “The operational availability and mission capable rates are still well below their threshold requirements.”
The Air Force said the tanker has already been deployed by Air Mobility Command in some situations but passing full operational testing certifications would allow for a less restrictive use of the KC-46A.
The first 183 KC-46A to be built are to begin replacing the aging fleet of more than 400 legacy KC-135 and KC-10 Extender refueling aircraft.
The KC-46A is a military tanker based on an extended-range variant of the Boeing 767 commercial airliner, with military upgrades for carrying fuel, defensive countermeasures, communications, rescue, medical transport and cargo roles.
The Air Force expects the KC-46A Pegasus to support combat and rescue missions, including delivering cargo to service members in the field and evacuating wounded personnel.
With corrections to the flaws noted in the report, the Pentagon expressed optimism that the KC-46A would rapidly reach full operational standards.
“Most flight testing has already been completed, but final testing depends on finishing the remaining fixes,” the report said. “The aircraft can be deployed today, but with limits.”
The KC-46A is capable of refueling 26 of 27 aircraft variants, according to the report — but with restrictions on “certain environmental conditions and aircraft configurations.”
The report did not identify the 27th aircraft type that can’t currently be used with the KC-46A, but the report said the Air Force will “resume testing” on the variant’s use of the KC-46A in the near future.
“While the KC‑46A is generally effective, it still struggles with reliability and availability, and those issues must be improved before the program is fully complete,” the report said.
