The authors of this report examine improvement in acquisition and sustainment of commercial derivative aircraft using a case study of the KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling tanker, with emphases on Federal Aviation Administration certification, data rights, and organic-oriented sustainment. The KC-46A is intended to gradually replace the U.S. Air Force’s aging KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-10 Extender.

Improving Acquisition and Sustainment Outcomes for Military Commercial Derived Aircraft

The KC-46A Pegasus Experience

Benjamin J. Sacks, Obaid Younossi, Brittany Clayton

ResearchPublished Nov 21, 2023

The KC-46A Pegasus is designed to refuel any fixed-wing U.S. Air Force (USAF) aircraft capable of aerial refueling, as well as many fixed-wing aircraft of allies and partners. It provides fuel through three system types: a centerline boom modified from the KC-10; a centerline hose and drogue system; and two Wing Air Refueling Pods, each with hose and drogue systems. The KC-46A can be configured in a variety of refueling, passenger, and cargo combinations through continuous tracks running through the aircraft.

The authors of this report examine improvement in acquisition and sustainment of military commercial derived aircraft using a case study of the KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling tanker. This report begins with a brief review of the troubled early history of the KC-46A program, focusing on Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification, data rights, and organic-oriented life cycle sustainment, and provides lessons learned to improve future acquisition and sustainment outcomes. The KC-46A is intended to gradually replace the Air Force's aging KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-10 Extender.

This is a companion report to another 2023 report, Life Cycle Management of Military Commercial Derivative Aircraft: Improving FAA Certification, Implementation of Digital Engineering and Sustainment Strategy.

Key Findings

  • Data investments for military commercially derived aircraft typically span stakeholders and those efforts must be synchronized and coordinated to be successful.
  • Planning for digital engineering and data right efforts should begin when forming an acquisition strategy.
  • When considering the platform's mission and modifications from the base design, more modifications might complicate the process.
  • Begin discussions with partners as early as possible in the program to better guide its development, set realistic expectations, and agree on responsibilities of all parties.
  • The Air Force sought FAA certification, but complexities and setbacks emerged, lengthening the process. The original equipment manufacturer's delivery schedule was too aggressive.
  • The decision to maintain organic-oriented sustainment versus contractor logistics support sustainment could pay dividends.
  • USAF-organic depots can meet USAF surge needs when necessary and on the Air Force's schedule while achieving the intent of FAA sustainment (i.e., meet FAA safety thresholds) and enabling the Air Force to still access the global 767 parts pool.
  • Application of commercial airline sustainment practices, namely designated engineering representative repairs and using manufacturer-approved parts from third parties, may be a cost-efficient approach.
  • Specifying data requirements, such as the level-of-repair analysis, within future contract requirements lists can help mitigate risk and cost.

Topics

Document Details

Citation

Chicago Manual of Style

Sacks, Benjamin J., Obaid Younossi, and Brittany Clayton, Improving Acquisition and Sustainment Outcomes for Military Commercial Derived Aircraft: The KC-46A Pegasus Experience. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2023. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA1676-1.html.
BibTeX RIS

Research conducted by

This report was prepared for the Department of the Air Force and conducted within the Resource Management Program of RAND Project AIR FORCE.

This publication is part of the RAND research report series. Research reports present research findings and objective analysis that address the challenges facing the public and private sectors. All RAND research reports undergo rigorous peer review to ensure high standards for research quality and objectivity.

This document and trademark(s) contained herein are protected by law. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited; linking directly to this product page is encouraged. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial purposes. For information on reprint and reuse permissions, please visit www.rand.org/pubs/permissions.

RAND is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.