Latest news with #KC-46Pegasus
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
KC-46 Crews Ordered To Drastically Curtail Use Of Jet's Onboard Auxiliary Power Unit
The U.S. Air Force's fleet of KC-46 Pegasus air refueling tanker fleet is experiencing problems with its auxiliary power unit (APU), a small secondary turbine engine at the back of the plane that primarily provides electricity to run systems prior to the startup of the main engines. It is also used to self-start the aircraft on the ground without the need for cumbersome ground support equipment. The problem has gotten so bad, Air Mobility Command (AMC) recently sent out a memo curtailing the use of the KC-46's APU, The War Zone has learned. The APUs are intended to make the KC-46s less reliant on ground crews and equipment prior to takeoff, but the issue is having the opposite effect, the Air Force told us. 'AMC has seen some premature failures of APUs we're working with the (Original Equipment Manufacturer) OEM to resolve,' an AMC spokesperson confirmed to us Monday afternoon. 'This memo ensures our maintenance team uses ground support equipment whenever possible to reduce APU wear-and-tear, giving us the best availability while we work through repairs.' It isn't clear when the problem was discovered or how long the workaround will be in place. Having to rely on ground systems, including power carts for accessory power and huffers carts for engine start, requires a larger logistical footprint and more personnel on the ground. It's also an inconvenience to the crew. Above all else, it diminishes the aircraft's ability to operate in austere conditions, a key component of the Air Force's Agile Combat Employment (ACE) program. ACE currently refers to a set of concepts for distributed and disaggregated operations centered heavily on short notice and otherwise irregular deployments, often to remote, austere, or otherwise non-traditional locales. The APU issue is the latest in a long string of problems for the Pegasus, both systemic and incidental. Last week, we told you about a KC -46 that lost its boom during an incident off the coast of Virginia. The Pegasus had been on a F-22 Raptor fighters refueling mission at the time. You can see images of the aftermath of that mishap below. Posted to the Air Force amn/nco/snco Facebook page. This is the KC-46 that landed at Seymour-Johnson after the accident the other day. — Steven Fortson (@zaphod58) July 12, 2025 The recent incident is one of several involving KC-46 booms. Last year, another Pegasus lost its boom while refueling an F-15E Strike Eagle off the coast of California last year. The boom and the control system for it have been a source of serious and persistent technical issues for the Pegasus fleet for years now. A fix for the KC-46's particularly troublesome remote vision system (RVS), which boom operators in the tanker's main cabin use to perform their work, is now unlikely to be finished before summer 2027, roughly three years behind schedule, according to Defense News. The APU problems come as the KC-46 fleet has been in heavy use. Last month, they were part of an armada of refuelers, which also included the KC-135 Stratotankers, which took part of the U.S. buildup of forces in the region as tensions with Iran rose to a fever pitch. They helped refuel the B-2 Spirit stealth bombers that struck Iranian nuclear sites during Operation Midnight Hammer last month. The bombers dropped 14 30,000-pound GBU-57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker buster bombs on Iran's Fordow and Natanz nuclear facilities. It marked the first combat use of those weapons. We reached out to Air Mobility Command Monday evening to find more details about the APU curtailment and will update this story with any pertinent information provided. In the meantime, the Air Force is working to fix yet another problem on its newest tanker. Contact the author: howard@
Economic Times
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
B-2 bombers on route to Guam just before Trump's D.C. arrival — signals mount ahead of U.S strikes on Iran
B-2 stealth bombers head to Guam as Trump returns to D.C., fueling talk of a U.S. strike on Iran. With the Iran–Israel war escalating, and Diego Garcia in play, the Pentagon's next move could change the course of the conflict. B-2 stealth bombers are on their way to Guam, just as President Donald Trump prepares for his return to Washington, D.C. The timing of this deployment is raising questions about a possible U.S. military strike on Iran, especially amid growing tensions in the Middle East. The timing couldn't be more critical. As fighting intensifies between Iran and Israel, the U.S. appears to be gearing up for possible direct involvement. Multiple military sources confirmed that six B-2 Spirit bombers, capable of carrying the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), are being moved to Andersen Air Force Base in Guam—a key U.S. outpost in the Pacific. According to flight data reviewed by Fox News, six B-2 Spirit bombers left Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri this week, heading toward Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. These bombers were joined by multiple KC-46 Pegasus tankers, which help them refuel mid-air—extending their global reach. The deployment has sparked serious speculation about U.S. plans, especially since B-2s are the only aircraft that can carry the GBU-57 bunker buster, a 30,000-pound bomb built to destroy deeply buried targets like Iran's Fordow nuclear facility. This deployment isn't routine. The B-2 bomber is one of America's most advanced long-range weapons. It's the only aircraft designed to carry the 30,000-pound GBU-57 bunker buster, which can strike deeply buried targets like Iran's Fordow nuclear facility—one of Tehran's most fortified sites. The flight path and tanker support, including KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft, suggest these B-2s are being prepared for missions far beyond Guam. Analysts say the bombers could soon reposition to Diego Garcia, a remote Indian Ocean island base with a clear path toward Iranian targets. A senior U.S. defense official told Fox News that these bombers are 'positioned to rapidly respond if the President gives the order.' It certainly looks that way. Since the Iran–Israel war broke out earlier this month, U.S. forces in the Middle East have been mobilizing quickly. Fighter jets, missile defense systems, and naval assets have been moved across strategic locations including the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and Eastern Mediterranean. Now, the focus has shifted to the skies. The B-2 deployment to Guam brings America's most precise and deadly airstrike capability closer to the conflict zone. Trump, who resumed presidential duties in January 2025, has made it clear in recent statements that Iran's nuclear escalation 'will not be tolerated.' While Washington has publicly called for a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, behind the scenes, military options are being actively reviewed. A source close to U.S. Central Command said, 'The window is narrowing. If Iran crosses the uranium enrichment threshold or hits Israeli civilian targets again, we expect a green light for strikes within days.'Diego Garcia is often used when the U.S. wants to strike in the Middle East without relying on regional allies' airspace. The island is British territory but leased to the U.S. military and has been a base for bomber operations in previous wars, including the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. If B-2s are shifted from Guam to Diego Garcia, it could be the clearest sign yet that a U.S. strike on Iran's nuclear program is imminent. The Fordow facility is buried under a mountain and would require a powerful weapon like the GBU-57, launched from a stealth platform, to destroy it. That's what makes the B-2 bomber deployment so significant at this moment. The signs are pointing that way. The deployment of stealth bombers, along with movements of U.S. Navy carrier strike groups like the USS Nimitz and USS Carl Vinson, show a growing military buildup. Fighter jets like the F-22 Raptor, F-16, and F-35 have also been repositioned, along with refueling tankers and missile defense systems across key U.S. bases in the Gulf and Middle East. According to The Times, intelligence sources believe Trump could approve limited airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure within the next two weeks. The goal would be to weaken Iran's ability to enrich uranium without starting a full-scale war. Iran has recently warned the U.S. and Israel of 'consequences' if attacks continue. Tensions spiked after Israel reportedly struck several missile sites in Iran, with Tehran promising retaliation. With so many moving parts, Washington appears to be preparing for a worst-case scenario. The Iran–Israel conflict has already left over 4,000 people dead on both sides, according to regional reports. Missile strikes, drone attacks, and cyber warfare have intensified in recent days. Israel reportedly targeted Iranian missile sites and IRGC positions near Isfahan and Shiraz this week, escalating Tehran's threats of retaliation. With Trump back in D.C. and briefed by top Pentagon officials, decisions are expected quickly. The President may opt for targeted airstrikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure or command centers if Tehran crosses certain 'red lines.' While no U.S. attack has been announced officially, the presence of stealth bombers in Guam, the potential use of Diego Garcia, and the broader U.S. military mobilization all point to a readiness posture—not just a show of force. Q1: Why are B-2 stealth bombers moving to Guam now? To prepare for possible strikes on Iran amid rising tensions. Q2: Could Diego Garcia be used for Iran airstrikes? Yes, it's a key U.S. base for long-range missions near the Middle East.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
B-2 bombers on route to Guam just before Trump's D.C. arrival — signals mount ahead of U.S strikes on Iran
B-2 stealth bombers are on their way to Guam , just as President Donald Trump prepares for his return to Washington, D.C. The timing of this deployment is raising questions about a possible U.S. military strike on Iran , especially amid growing tensions in the Middle East. The timing couldn't be more critical. As fighting intensifies between Iran and Israel, the U.S. appears to be gearing up for possible direct involvement. Multiple military sources confirmed that six B-2 Spirit bombers, capable of carrying the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), are being moved to Andersen Air Force Base in Guam—a key U.S. outpost in the Pacific. According to flight data reviewed by Fox News, six B-2 Spirit bombers left Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri this week, heading toward Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. These bombers were joined by multiple KC-46 Pegasus tankers , which help them refuel mid-air—extending their global reach. The deployment has sparked serious speculation about U.S. plans, especially since B-2s are the only aircraft that can carry the GBU-57 bunker buster , a 30,000-pound bomb built to destroy deeply buried targets like Iran's Fordow nuclear facility . Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Only 2% Traders Know this Powerful Intraday Strategy thefutureuniversity Learn More Undo Why are B-2 stealth bombers being moved to Guam now? This deployment isn't routine. The B-2 bomber is one of America's most advanced long-range weapons. It's the only aircraft designed to carry the 30,000-pound GBU-57 bunker buster, which can strike deeply buried targets like Iran's Fordow nuclear facility—one of Tehran's most fortified sites. The flight path and tanker support, including KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft, suggest these B-2s are being prepared for missions far beyond Guam. Analysts say the bombers could soon reposition to Diego Garcia, a remote Indian Ocean island base with a clear path toward Iranian targets. Live Events A senior U.S. defense official told Fox News that these bombers are 'positioned to rapidly respond if the President gives the order.' Is the U.S. preparing for direct strikes on Iran? It certainly looks that way. Since the Iran–Israel war broke out earlier this month, U.S. forces in the Middle East have been mobilizing quickly. Fighter jets, missile defense systems, and naval assets have been moved across strategic locations including the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and Eastern Mediterranean. Now, the focus has shifted to the skies. The B-2 deployment to Guam brings America's most precise and deadly airstrike capability closer to the conflict zone. Trump, who resumed presidential duties in January 2025, has made it clear in recent statements that Iran's nuclear escalation 'will not be tolerated.' While Washington has publicly called for a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, behind the scenes, military options are being actively reviewed. A source close to U.S. Central Command said, 'The window is narrowing. If Iran crosses the uranium enrichment threshold or hits Israeli civilian targets again, we expect a green light for strikes within days.' Could Diego Garcia be a launch point for Iran strikes? Diego Garcia is often used when the U.S. wants to strike in the Middle East without relying on regional allies' airspace. The island is British territory but leased to the U.S. military and has been a base for bomber operations in previous wars, including the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. If B-2s are shifted from Guam to Diego Garcia, it could be the clearest sign yet that a U.S. strike on Iran's nuclear program is imminent. The Fordow facility is buried under a mountain and would require a powerful weapon like the GBU-57, launched from a stealth platform, to destroy it. That's what makes the B-2 bomber deployment so significant at this moment. Is the U.S. preparing for a strike on Iran's nuclear sites? The signs are pointing that way. The deployment of stealth bombers , along with movements of U.S. Navy carrier strike groups like the USS Nimitz and USS Carl Vinson , show a growing military buildup. Fighter jets like the F-22 Raptor , F-16 , and F-35 have also been repositioned, along with refueling tankers and missile defense systems across key U.S. bases in the Gulf and Middle East. According to The Times, intelligence sources believe Trump could approve limited airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure within the next two weeks. The goal would be to weaken Iran's ability to enrich uranium without starting a full-scale war. Iran has recently warned the U.S. and Israel of 'consequences' if attacks continue. Tensions spiked after Israel reportedly struck several missile sites in Iran, with Tehran promising retaliation. With so many moving parts, Washington appears to be preparing for a worst-case scenario. What next in the Iran–Israel war? The Iran–Israel conflict has already left over 4,000 people dead on both sides, according to regional reports. Missile strikes, drone attacks, and cyber warfare have intensified in recent days. Israel reportedly targeted Iranian missile sites and IRGC positions near Isfahan and Shiraz this week, escalating Tehran's threats of retaliation. With Trump back in D.C. and briefed by top Pentagon officials, decisions are expected quickly. The President may opt for targeted airstrikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure or command centers if Tehran crosses certain 'red lines.' While no U.S. attack has been announced officially, the presence of stealth bombers in Guam , the potential use of Diego Garcia , and the broader U.S. military mobilization all point to a readiness posture—not just a show of force. FAQs: Q1: Why are B-2 stealth bombers moving to Guam now? To prepare for possible strikes on Iran amid rising tensions. Q2: Could Diego Garcia be used for Iran airstrikes? Yes, it's a key U.S. base for long-range missions near the Middle East.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
KC-46 vision system upgrade slips to 2027, 3 years behind schedule
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways The KC-46 Pegasus refueling tanker's troubled remote vision system is now unlikely to see a replacement upgrade until summer 2027, the Air Force said, putting the Boeing program more than three years behind schedule. An Air Force spokesperson confirmed in an email Wednesday that the current projection for fielding the system, known as RVS 2.0, is roughly two years away, but did not say what is causing the latest schedule slip. Boeing referred questions to the Air Force. 'The Air Force and Boeing are exploring opportunities to prevent or mitigate the slip in schedule,' the spokesperson said. Older refueling tankers like the KC-10 Extender and KC-135 Stratotanker require boom operators to look through a window in the back while steering a boom into the receiving aircraft. KC-135 boom operators must lie on their stomachs while doing so. When the KC-46 was designed, it promised a major change to how that work is done. Boom operators in the Pegasus sit in stations towards the front of the tanker and use cameras, sensors and screens to guide the refueling boom. But the KC-46's original Collins-made remote vision system was beset by problems from the start. That faulty vision system does not respond quickly enough to changing sun and shadows, and sometimes produces a distorted image, which the Air Force fears could lead to receiving aircraft getting hit and damaged by the boom. Boeing developed a replacement, dubbed RVS 2.0, that uses a series of sensors, screens and 4K ultrahigh-definition cameras to produce a 3D, full-color image for boom operators. RVS 2.0 was initially supposed to be released in March 2024. That deadline has slipped multiple times, due to supply chain problems and delays in the Federal Aviation Administration's airworthiness certification process. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin told lawmakers Tuesday that the KC-46 now has five category 1 deficiencies, two of which stem from its remote vision system. Allvin predicted RVS 2.0 might need another 18 months of work. 'It's operating, it's just not operating as we would expect it to,' Allvin told the House Appropriations Committee. The KC-46's stiff refueling boom is also a lingering problem, Allvin said. The tanker still cannot refuel the A-10 Warthog because of that boom stiffness issue, he said, and the service hasn't tested the KC-46 with the E-7 Wedgetail the service plans to bring into its fleet. Allvin said that a week ago, he and Air Mobility Command head Gen. Jon Lamontagne met with Boeing Defense, Space and Security head Steve Parker, go 'line-by-line' through the outstanding major problems with the KC-46. 'It is capable; it's not optimal,' Allvin said.
CBS News
30-04-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Michigan leaders say Selfridge's new flying mission supports Macomb County's economy
President Trump announced that a new fighter mission is coming to Selfridge Air National Guard Base. It's welcome news for the people who live and work on and around the base in Macomb County. According to Michigan leaders, Selfridge has an $850 million economic impact in Michigan. Twenty-one brand new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets will live here at Selfridge. "This will keep Selfridge at the cutting edge of North American air power," Trump said. The fighter jets will replace the A-10 Warthogs, and it's a big win for the base. "If we had not received this decision and announcement from the president yesterday, we would have lost the fighter flying mission," said Major General Paul Rogers. It means 600 people will keep their jobs. "They earn about $30 million a year that then gets spent largely within the community," Rogers said. The president gave Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer a lot of credit for her work to make it happen. "I got to work with people that I don't agree with a lot, but at the end of the day, when you can see something like this happen. You see, it's all worth it," Whitmer said. The effort and announcement have bipartisan support and provide a boost for both military and civilian jobs. "It's going to attract more people to the area. It's going to maintain jobs and even possibly create more jobs. The possibilities are endless," Rep. Alicia St. Germaine, R-Harrison Township, said. "Anytime you get a new aircraft like that, you tend to expect to see contract support come in, especially early on, to help us get established and grow into the new mission, so it will have an increase in jobs for the local community," Rogers said. New hangers will need to be built for not only the jets but also aircraft important to the refueling mission. "We'll have construction jobs moving the runway and enhancing the runway performance. So in total, we're estimating it could be anywhere close to $500 million of construction work over the next 10 years at Selfridge," Rogers said. The new planes are expected to arrive at Selfridge in 2028, which means the base will be able to serve the community for decades. Mr. Trump added that his administration will continue plans to replace the outgoing KC-135 and KC-46 Pegasus aircraft to continue that important refueling mission at Selfridge. "They'll be restocked as brand new, top-of-the-line refuelers for generations of men and women of Selfridge who've always been here, and they've always been for us, whether you're Republican or Democrat," Trump said.
