Aviation SafetyAug 12, 4:00 PM
US Air Force's KC-46 Pegasus tackles aging KC-135 refueler challenges amidst technical hurdles
Many of the US Air Force's refueling wings are still flying the KC-135 Stratotanker, which was made in the Eisenhower era and is rapidly approaching an average age of 70. Recent midair mishaps and structural wear have made the KC-135 increasingly dangerous to operate. Yet its replacement, the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus, is highly controversial because it has suffered from severe design flaws, multi-billion-dollar cost overruns, and critical safety hazards.