Tanker Tests

A new KC-46 Pegasus schedule reflects a significantly reduced testing slate for the Boeing-built tanker and estimates the total acquisition cost will drop by nearly $3 billion as a result, according to an April 9 Government Accountability Office report.

Engineering problems have led to early flight delays for the KC-46, pushing first flight from last January to early this summer.

The report states the new plan calls for significantly less testing prior to a production decision targeted for this October -- the test slate shrinks from 13 months to just three -- and will focus on demonstrating design maturity.

GAO notes that Boeing remains at risk of not meeting the October deadline.