Although Boeing still expects to meet the August 2017 deadline to deliver 18 KC-46A tankers, it’s possible the company might miss the target by four months, according to the Government Accountability Office. While fewer than expected engineering changes reduced the total estimated cost of the program by seven percent from $51.7 billion to $48.2 billion, development problems—wiring issues, an aerial refueling system redesign, and a fuel contamination—extended testing and delivery schedules, the GAO found in an April 8 report. The new schedule is compressed and leaves little room for any new problems and the needed part testing. The report noted, “… any future delays may affect Boeing’s ability to deliver all 18 operational aircraft by August 2017, but that risk is being measured in months rather than years.” Boeing now plans to deliver two reconfigured development aircraft along with 16 production aircraft—two more than originally planned—to the Air Force in the six months prior to August 2017. To meet the deadline, Boeing is building low-rate initial production aircraft with its own resources, planning to open a second finishing center to militarize 767-2Cs, and trying to increase testing efficiency. (See also: Tanker Time is Tight from the February issue of Air Force Magazine and KC-46 Boom Testing Delayed.)
US Space Command Should Always Be Led by a Guardian
Sept. 12, 2026
General Stephen Whiting took command of U.S. Space Command in January 2024, and if customary three-year tenures hold, his tour would end in January 2027. The question now before the President and Senate is who should follow him? Whoever they choose, it has to be a Guardian—and so should every successor…
