Major Problem with New Air Force Tanker Has Been Fixed, Service Says

Major Problem with New Air Force Tanker Has Been Fixed, Service Says
The Air Force's newest tanker has been cleared to carry extra passengers and equipment following a three-month ban over faulty cargo locks within the aircraft.

The Air Force declared a critical deficiency impacting the KC-46 Pegasus closed Dec. 18, following "successful installation and testing of an improved cargo lock design," the service said in a statement Friday.

"The first KC-46A to receive the new hardware is assigned to McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, and has resumed missions carrying cargo and passengers," the statement said. "The Air Force remains committed to holding Boeing accountable to fix deficiencies identified in both developmental and operational test and evaluation of the KC-46A's effectiveness, suitability, and mission capability."