Tanker Availability Hinders Readiness

The lack of availability of the new KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling tanker is creating a “ripple effect” that threatens readiness, Air Force Magazine reported. The service, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) and industry are working toward a solution, the magazine stated in a Jan. 28 report. The Air Force announced last September that it would not be able to deploy the KC-46 for as much as four years, because of ongoing problems with the aircraft’s boom system and other problems. TRANSCOM wants to keep 28 more of the aging KC-135 Stratotankers in service, Air Force Magazine reported – with the Air Force’s Air Mobility Command is considering keeping additional planes flying until the Pegasus is ready for service.