USAF braces for new KC-46 delay as RVS 2.0 troubles persist
The US Air Force and Boeing are working to correct remote vision system issues on the KC-46 tanker. (Photo: Boeing)
The USAF has told Shephard that the KC-46A Pegasus tanker’s Remote Vision System (RVS) 2.0 faces a delay resulting from hardware development and airworthiness certification problems.
Fielding a first retrofitted aircraft in Q3 FY2024 and completing the programme on the schedule are both considered to be at risk, according to a USAF spokesperson.
The RVS 2.0 engineering effort will lead to the integration of new 4K colour cameras with accurate viewing geometry, larger screens for air refuelling operator stations and a distance rangefinder for refuelling receiver aircraft.
The redesign was originally approved by the USAF in April 2022 under a
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
Australia’s Exercise Talisman Sabre concludes after a series of firsts
More than 40,000 military personnel from 19 participating nations took part in the 11th iteration of the biennial Exercise Talisman Sabre multi-domain event which was held across Australia and in Papua New Guinea.
-
US Africa Command targets logistic solutions
AFRICOM is seeking IT systems and supply chain management solutions to enhance interoperability and standardise logistical processes in its area of responsibility.
-
Rheinmetall sales up by almost a quarter on wave of German spending
Germany’s Rheinmetall released its 1H 2025 results on 7 August, continuing the strong growth of recent years. A particular highlight of the result’s presentation was the Skyranger air defence system for which the company is predicting sales of about US$8.2 billion from the German Government before the end of the year.
-
Defence companies continue to ride procurement wave
Vehicle and technology companies are reporting substantial growth compared to the first half of 2024. Italy’s Fincantieri saw revenues jump 24% for the first half of the year compared to 2024 and Thales up 6.8% for the same period. General Dynamics reported second quarter revenue growth of 8.9% for the second quarter compared to last year and MilDef reported organic order intake growth of 58%.
-
Singapore plots a way forward with new technology and formation reform
Singapore spends about 3.5% of GDP on defence and the section’s budget sits on high on the proportion of national spending. The country is investing in uncrewed technology, medium- and long-range fires and new submarines and ships with the hunt also on for new maritime patrol aircraft.
-
World Defense Show promises bigger and better event for 2026
At this year's IDEF in Istanbul, Shephard spoke to World Defense Show (WDS) CEO Andrew Pearcey about his event's strategic role in Saudi Arabia, its themes and new features for 2026 and how it has grown since its launch in 2022.