Introduction to the DefenceDetective Newsletter
The DefenceDetective Newsletter provides weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
Investigations into KC-46A Pegasus Aerial Refueling Tanker Mishaps
The U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command (AMC) recently released the findings of investigations into three mishaps involving the KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling tanker. These incidents, which occurred in 2022 and 2024, resulted in significant damages to the aircraft, totaling nearly $23 million. The primary cause of these mishaps was identified as nozzle binding, a situation in which the tanker’s refueling boom nozzle gets stuck or binds with the receiving aircraft’s receptacle.
Incident 1: October 15, 2022
The first incident occurred on October 15, 2022, during a routine air refueling operation between a KC-46A Pegasus and an F-15E Strike Eagle. The Accident Investigation Board (AIB) found that the boom operator’s manual control inputs caused a radial force to be applied to the air refueling boom (ARB), resulting in the nozzle becoming bound in the receiver’s receptacle. The estimated damages to the aircraft were $8,307,257.93.
Incident 2: November 7, 2022
The second incident occurred on November 7, 2022, during a joint-force training exercise. The AIB determined that the boom operator’s control inputs caused the nozzle to become bound in the F-22A Raptor’s air refueling receptacle, resulting in damage to the ARB nozzle. The estimated damages were $103,295.12.
Incident 3: August 21, 2024
The third incident occurred on August 21, 2024, during an Operation Noble Eagle mission. The AIB found that the boom operator’s control inputs resulted in an excessive fly-up rate of the boom, which struck the aircraft empennage and caused a critical failure of the boom shaft structure. The estimated damages were $14,381,303.
Fourth Incident: July 8, 2025
A fourth mishap occurred on July 8, 2025, and is still being investigated. The DefenceDetective will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Conclusion and Future Concerns
The nozzle binding issue poses a significant risk to the safety of aircraft and personnel involved in air refueling operations. The reliability of the KC-46A Pegasus tanker is a concern, particularly during critical missions. The DefenceDetective will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on any developments.