The KC-46A Pegasus -- along with the P-8A Poseidon -- is a commercial derivative aircraft currently being built in Washington . More than 80 KC-46As have been delivered to the U . S . Air Force and allies . ( Boeing photo )
Australia , South Korea and Turkey are operating this aircraft today , and the United States and United Kingdom will take advantage of its advanced capability soon . NATO recently announced its intent to replace its AWACS fleet with E-7s , as well .
The KC-46A Pegasus is another Washington-built platform that is providing next-generation capability to joint forces around the world . The KC-46A is a combat-proven multi-mission aerial refueler that can capture and relay information to the crew and fleet . It is much more than an aerial refueler and has been called a “ game changer ” as it replaces the Boeing-built KC-135 .
Q : Can you share more about the Boeing defense workforce in Washington ?
A : There are thousands of BDS employees in Washington supporting the aircraft we deliver to the U . S . military and allies .
There are software engineers like Son Tran , who fled Vietnam as a seven-year-old to escape an oppressive regime . Son is now honored to help defend the country he loves by supporting the E-7 program alongside his older brother , Vinh .
There are systems engineers like Jami Bunker , who grew up in rural Michigan . Jami learned the value of hard work from her parents , and that has motivated her throughout her career . She is now a systems integration engineering team manager for the KC-46 program .
These employees constantly find new ways to innovate our products through enhanced connectivity , software upgrades , logistical support , production processes and more .
About 20 percent of BDS employees are veterans , like KC-46 Quality Senior Manager Kareem Foster .
Kareem grew up with a passion for aviation and served 20 years in the military as an aircraft maintenance technician . Now , he continues to proudly support a global mission as a civilian .
Of course , a robust network of suppliers located across the country is also essential for providing the thousands of components that are used to build each aircraft . Take the KC-46 program , for instance . More than 37,000 American workers representing more than 670 businesses in 43 states support this single program . From Farwest Aircraft in Pacific , Washington ( which builds ground support equipment and tooling for the Pegasus ) to Sensor Systems in St . Petersburg , Florida ( which makes every pressure sensor for the tanker ’ s refueling boom by hand ), each business plays a crucial role in keeping dozens of aircraft in the skies and operating effectively .
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