Boeing's losses on the construction of the KC-46 Pegasus refuelling plane topped $7bn

Boeing lost almost a quarter of a billion dollars in the first quarter of 2023 due to poorly painted fuel tanks for the KC-46 Pegasus aircraft. Total losses have already exceeded $7 billion.

Here's What We Know

The KC-46 air tanker is not the most successful aircraft in the Virginia-based manufacturer's range. In the first three months of this year, the defence company has lost another $245m because a subcontractor painted the fuel tanks incorrectly.

Boeing is aware of the flaw and is working to fix it. The KC-46 continues to perform well on its missions. This was reported by Dave Calhoun, CEO of the US company, at its quarterly earnings report.

The US Air Force has taken delivery of 69 KC-46s. The service plans to receive a total of 179 aircraft, of which 128 units (more than 70%) have already been ordered. In addition, Israel and Japan have become buyers of KC-46s.

Despite the rather complicated history of the Pegasus program, the USAF could purchase another 75 aircraft to replace the KC-135 Stratotanker refuellers. They entered service nearly 80 years ago.

Source: Defence One