100th KC-46 Joins the Air Force Fleet

The U.S. Air Force’s KC-46 Pegasus fleet’s 99th and 100th aircraft arrived Dec. 2 at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., piloted by Air Force Reserve chief Lt. Gen. John P. Healy in jet 99 and Air Mobility Command boss Gen. John D. Lamontagne in number 100. 

It took just under seven years for the KC-46 to hit the century mark—the first operational Pegasus arrived at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., on Jan. 25, 2019.  

“Today marks not just the arrival of the 100th KC-46 delivered, but the continued strengthening of our nation’s global reach and readiness,” Lamontagne said at a ceremony. “The Pegasus represents a key chapter in air mobility, one built on innovation and unwavering commitment to the mission. To the Airmen who will fly, fix, and support this aircraft, you carry forward a proud legacy of excellence.” 

More KC-46s are on their way: The Air Force plans 88 planes more planes under the original program of record, plus an additional 75 for its “Tanker Production Extension” program—a total planned fleet of 263 airframes. Deliveries will extend into the 2030s, according to budget documents. 

Already, 80 of those future Pegasus aircraft are on order, including a $2.47 billion contract awarded to Boeing last week for Lot 12. That leaves just one lot to complete the original program plus the production extension. 

With an expected service life of 40 years, according to Pentagon acquisition documents, the KC-46 will likely fly into at least the 2070s. Half a dozen bases from North Carolina to California already host the Pegasus, and three more have been selected, with with McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tenn., the most recent site selected. 

The Pegasus has endured multiple setbacks, with more than half a dozen Category 1 deficiencies, including a required redesign of its crucial Remote Vision System, used by boom operators to connect to receiving aircraft. But Air Force leaders praise the plane’s capabilities and have cleared it for operational deployments and taskings.  

“The delivery of the 99th and 100th KC-46As underscores the Air Force Reserve’s ‘Ready Now’ commitment to airpower and rapid global mobility,” Healy said. “Our combined Total Force ensures we can reach any spot in the world whenever and wherever our nation calls.” 

KC-46 Bases