Boeing Tests New KC-46 Pegasus Vision System, Marking Major Milestone

Boeing has successfully completed the first flight test of the new Remote Vision System (RVS) 2.0 on its KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling tanker, a long-awaited upgrade that aims to fix critical deficiencies in the aircraft’s refueling operations. The test took place in the Seattle area, Boeing’s primary production hub for the Pegasus, and marks a key step toward resolving one of the program’s most persistent challenges.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Dubai Airshow, Steve Parker, head of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, confirmed the flight occurred “yesterday,” calling it “a huge milestone for the program.” He noted that despite rainy conditions, the new system performed well and represents a significant leap forward in restoring confidence in the KC-46’s performance.

The KC‑46 Pegasus is a U.S. Air Force aerial refueling and military transport aircraft developed by Boeing from its 767-200ER jetliner. It entered service in 2019 and is designed to replace the aging KC‑135 Stratotanker fleet. The USAF intends to procure 179 KC‑46A aircraft by 2027.

The KC-46 Pegasus, built for the U.S. Air Force, has been plagued by issues since entering service, particularly with its original Remote Vision System 1.0, which uses cameras instead of traditional windows to help boom operators guide refueling. The RVS struggled with lighting transitions—making nighttime operations difficult and daytime refuelings prone to glare—and lacked adequate depth perception, creating safety risks rated as Category 1 deficiencies by the Air Force.

To correct these flaws, RVS 2.0 introduces an advanced suite of sensors: two long-wave infrared cameras, two visible-spectrum cameras, and two additional visible-spectrum lenses, totaling six separate channels. The system aims to provide sharper image quality, better contrast management, and improved spatial awareness, especially in variable lighting conditions.

Although the upgrade was originally slated for 2023, it has faced multiple delays and is now expected to be fielded in 2027. In the interim, Boeing continues to deliver aircraft equipped with RVS 1.5, a transitional upgrade offering incremental improvements over the initial version.

Beyond visual challenges, the KC-46 program still faces several open Category 1 issues, including problems with the refueling boom’s stiffness and fuel system anomalies. Nevertheless, the U.S. Air Force announced earlier this year that it would procure additional KC-46 tankers, opting not to open a new competition for an alternative design—an endorsement that underscores Boeing’s progress on key fixes.

During the Dubai roundtable, Bernd Peters, Boeing Defense’s vice president of business development and strategy, said the company remains optimistic about international interest in the Pegasus. “The KC-46 is one of our top products for the Middle East,” Peters said, referencing Qatar’s plans to acquire the aircraft. “At the appropriate time, we’ll be able to discuss that. But for now, we still feel pretty bullish on the KC-46 in the region.”

The RVS 2.0 test flight marks a significant milestone in Boeing’s long-running effort to restore full operational confidence in the KC-46 Pegasus. If successful, the system will not only enhance safety and reliability for U.S. and allied forces but also strengthen Boeing’s competitive position in the global aerial-refueling market.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com,