US Air Force F-22 Refueling Incident Results in $10 Million Damage
An in-flight refueling operation involving a KC-46A Pegasus and an F-22A Raptor resulted in nearly $10 million in damages. The incident underscores challenges with the KC-46's refueling boom, contributing to operational risks in aerial refueling missions.
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On July 8, 2025, a refueling operation off Virginia involved a KC-46A Pegasus and an F-22A Raptor, leading to a mishap that incurred $9,978,567 in damages. The boom nozzle got stuck in the F-22's receptacle, causing an emergency breakaway and damaging the KC-46's tail cone and auxiliary power unit exhaust duct.
Investigators attributed the incident to improper control inputs from the boom operator and excessive closure rates from the F-22 pilot, exacerbated by the KC-46's stiff boom characteristics. This incident reflects ongoing concerns about the KC-46's refueling capabilities, as similar issues have arisen in previous operations from 2022 to 2024.
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