US Air Force Halts KC-46 Tanker Deliveries Amid Cracks Discovery

The US Air Force has halted deliveries of the KC-46A Pegasus tanker aircraft after structural cracks were discovered in two of the four planes scheduled for delivery. Boeing identified the cracks during pre-delivery inspections, leading to concerns about the aircraft's reliability and prompting a review of the entire fleet of 89 operational KC-46A tankers. The cracks were found in primary and secondary structural components, not on flight surfaces, and all affected aircraft will undergo repairs before returning to service. This latest setback adds to the troubled history of the KC-46 Pegasus program, which has faced numerous technical challenges since its inception, including issues with the refueling boom and the Remote Vision System. Boeing is collaborating with the Air Force to assess the situation and implement corrective actions. The program, originally intended to replace older tankers, has experienced significant delays and financial repercussions.