A serious incident occurred on July 8, 2025, off the coast of Virginia, when the boom suddenly fell off the American tanker KC-46 Pegasus during an operation to refuel F-22 Raptor fighters. After the failure of critical equipment, the flight crew declared an emergency. The incident was another wake-up call for the KC-46 program, which has already faced technical problems.
The KC-46 Pegasus aircraft, developed by Boeing based on the civilian Boeing 767, is intended to replace the aging fleet of tankers of the US Air Force, in particular the KC-135. It is equipped with a modern refueling system, including an arrow with an advanced gimbal mechanism, which makes it possible to efficiently replenish fuel from various types of combat aircraft.
However, the latest incident is not the first with this model. Earlier, Boeing suspended deliveries due to the discovery of structural cracks in new aircraft.
There were also problems with the elements of the boom guidance system, including damaged gimbal locking nuts. All this raises concerns about the reliability and safety of the KC-46 fleet.
Although the details of the incident off the coast of Virginia have yet to be fully investigated, experts point to the need for a comprehensive analysis of the boom's design and operating conditions in complex aerial maneuvers. The US Air Force has already begun checking the incident to determine its causes and possible impact on the further operation of the tanker.
This case highlights the importance of regular technical control and modernization of a promising but problematic aviation complex that plays a key role in maintaining the global combat readiness of the US Air Force.
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