[By Guancha Observer, Shanmao]

According to a report by Breaking Defense on Wednesday, the repair and upgrade work for the remote vision system (RVS) of the U.S. Air Force's new KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft has been postponed again, with expectations now set for summer 2027 for its availability. An Air Force spokesperson stated in a statement that "the Air Force is coordinating with Boeing to explore means to prevent or mitigate schedule delays," but did not provide details on the reasons for the delay.

(File Photo) U.S. Air Force Boeing KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft

Initially, senior officials of the U.S. Air Force hoped that this improved system would be operational by 2023. However, this upgrade has been delayed multiple times. By 2024, officials indicated that the delay was due to certification procedures by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with hopes for readiness by 2026.

On previously equipped KC-10 and KC-135 aircraft, there were transparent observation windows and operator stations at the rear of the aircraft, where operators observed and operated the refueling probe through the window. In contrast, the KC-46 eliminated physical observation windows; instead, operators used cameras and sensors to remotely operate the refueling probe, referred to as RVS (Remote Vision System). Prior to the KC-46, similarly developed by Boeing and sold to Japan and Italy, the KC-767, as well as the Airbus A330MRTT, utilized remote cameras and video control consoles for refueling hose operations.

(File Photo) The U.S. Air Force KC-10A uses a transparent glass observation window form, with a refueling rod operator station arranged at the rear of the fuselage

(File Photo) The Japanese Air Self-Defense Force KC-767 refueling probe controls the camera and control console method

The current RVS 1.0 version installed on the KC-46 has been reported by users to have reduced effectiveness compared to traditional refueling aircraft. Operators stated that during testing, they experienced physiological discomfort such as eye fatigue and headaches, and the system had defects in dynamic lighting, resulting in poor display effects under changing day-night conditions. This often caused collisions with parts outside the oil tube interface of the receiving aircraft during operation. These issues led to a decrease in aerial refueling efficiency, resulting in two Level 1 defect reports in 2016 regarding the RVS 1.0 system, causing delays in delivery of this key platform.

The KC-46 is equipped with an RVS 1.0 system refueling operation control console, which, like the relatively older KC-767, uses a black-and-white dual-color main camera.

To address these issues, Boeing and the KC-46 team informed the U.S. Air Force that they would design a new RVS 2.0 free of charge, providing full-color, high-resolution, and immersive 3D displays to ensure operator physiological comfort during long-term screen viewing and optimize the efficiency of refueling probe operators. Additionally, the two onboard infrared night-vision cameras and visible light cameras will be upgraded to ensure the delivery of the KC-46 and allow for the implementation of future technologies. Furthermore, the panoramic cameras used to observe approaching aircraft for refueling will also be upgraded in another project.

At a hearing of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee on Tuesday, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General David Allvin stated that the KC-46 still has "five Class 1 defects," so it has not reached "optimal performance." Apart from the E-7 AWACS aircraft not yet in service, the KC-46 has still not been approved for refueling with the A-10 attack aircraft. Worse still, since February this year, the U.S. Air Force has once again halted deliveries of the KC-46 because cracks were found in the outer fixed trailing edge support structures of two aircraft awaiting delivery to the U.S. Air Force.

(File Photo) A KC-46 in the factory

Reports indicate that due to the fixed-price contract for the KC-46 program, Boeing has "lost billions of dollars" on the KC-46. In response to questions about the new delivery date for RVS 2.0, Boeing referred the issue to the U.S. Air Force. A company spokesman stated that Boeing is currently closely collaborating with the U.S. Air Force to strive for the resumption of aircraft deliveries as soon as possible.

This article is an exclusive contribution by the Guancha Observer and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7502710970385547817/

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