Engineering:Boeing KC-46 Pegasus

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Short description: 2010s American military aerial refueling and transport aircraft
KC-46 Pegasus
KC-46 Pegasus prepares to refuel C-17 (cropped).jpg
A United States Air Force KC-46A with refueling boom lowered
Role Tanker/transport
National origin United States
Manufacturer Boeing Defense, Space & Security
First flight 25 September 2015
Introduction 2019
Status In service[1][2]
Primary users United States Air Force
Japan Air Self-Defense Force
Produced 2013–present
Number built 78 as of October 2023[3]
Developed from Boeing KC-767

The Boeing KC-46 Pegasus is an American military aerial refueling and strategic military transport aircraft developed by Boeing from its 767 jet airliner. In February 2011, the tanker was selected by the United States Air Force (USAF) as the winner in the KC-X tanker competition to replace older Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers. The first aircraft was delivered to the Air Force in January 2019.[4] The Air Force intends to procure 179 Pegasus aircraft by 2027.

Development

Background

Main page: Engineering:Boeing KC-767

In 2001, the U.S. Air Force began a procurement program to replace around 100 of its oldest KC-135E Stratotankers, and selected Boeing's KC-767. The Boeing tanker received the KC-767A designation from the United States Department of Defense in 2002 and appeared in the 2004 edition of DoD model designation report.[5] The USAF decided to lease 100 KC-767 tankers from Boeing.[6]

U.S. Senator John McCain and others criticized the draft leasing agreement as being wasteful and problematic. In response to protests, the USAF struck a compromise in November 2003, whereby it would purchase 80 KC-767s and lease 20 more.[7][8] In December 2003, the Pentagon announced a freeze on the program over an investigation into alleged corruption that led to the jailing of one of its former procurement executives who applied to work for Boeing.[9] The KC-767A contract was canceled by the DoD in January 2006.[10]

USAF KC-X program

In 2006, the USAF released a request for proposal (RFP) for a new tanker program, KC-X, to be selected by 2007. Boeing announced it may enter a higher capability tanker based on the Boeing 777, named the KC-777 Strategic Tanker. Airbus partnered with Northrop Grumman to offer the Airbus A330 MRTT, the tanker version of the A330, which was marketed to the USAF under the designation KC-30.[11] In January 2007, the USAF issued the KC-X Aerial Refueling Aircraft RFP, calling for 179 tankers, four system development and demonstration and 175 production, in a contract worth an estimated US$40 billion (~$48.6 billion in 2019).[12] Northrop and EADS expressed dissatisfaction at how the RFP was structured and threatened to withdraw, leaving only Boeing in the running.[13]

Gray jet aircraft facing left on apron against a cloudless, pale blue sky. In the foreground are green grass; the foreground is a wet tarmac.
An Italian Air Force KC-767 on the apron at McConnell AFB/Boeing Factory in Wichita, Kansas, in 2010

In February 2007, Boeing announced it was offering the KC-767 Advanced Tanker for the KC-X,[14] stating that the KC-767 was a better fit than the KC-777 for the requirements.[15] In April 2007, Boeing submitted its KC-767 tanker proposal to USAF.[16] The KC-767 offered for this KC-X round was based on the in-development 767-200LRF (Long Range Freighter), rather than the -200ER on which Italian and Japanese KC-767 aircraft are based,[17] differing by combining the -200ER fuselage, -300F wing, gear, cargo door and floor, -400ER digital flightdeck and flaps, uprated engines, and "sixth-generation" fly-by-wire fuel delivery boom.[18]

Boeing submitted its final proposal in January 2008.[19] In February 2008, the DoD chose the KC-30 over the KC-767, the USAF subsequently designated it KC-45A.[20] Boeing submitted a protest to the United States Government Accountability Office in March 2008 and waged a public relations campaign in support of their protest.[21] In June, after USAF admissions on bidding process flaws, the GAO upheld Boeing's protest and recommended the contract be rebid.[21] In July 2008, Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced that the USAF would reopen bidding,[22] and put the contract into an "expedited recompetition" with Defense Undersecretary John Young in charge of the selection process, not the USAF.[23] A draft of the revised RFP was provided to contractors in August 2008 for comments.[24] However, in September 2008, the DoD canceled the KC-X solicitation.[25]

In September 2009, the USAF began a new round of bids with a clearer set of criteria, including reducing the number of requirements from 800 to 373 in an attempt to simplify the process and allow a more objective decision to be made.[26] In March 2010, Boeing announced it would bid the KC-767 for the new KC-X round.[27] EADS stated in April 2010 it would submit a bid without Northrop Grumman as a U.S. partner.[28][29] Boeing submitted its KC-767 "NewGen Tanker" bid, based on the 767-200 with an improved version of the KC-10's refueling boom, and cockpit displays from the 787, in July 2010.[30][31][32] Boeing submitted a revised bid in February 2011.[33]

In addition to the KC-X, observers speculate that a modified KC-46 will be used as the basis of the KC-Y tanker program, the second step of the USAF's three-step tanker renewal plan, as replacing it with something entirely new is likely too big a risk.[34] In September 2016, Air Mobility Command stated that the follow-on KC-Y acquisition program to replace the remaining KC-135s had been abandoned in favor of further KC-46s with upgrades.[35]

Selection and early development

In February 2011, the USAF announced the selection of Boeing's KC-767 bid, which was designated KC-46A.[36][37] Boeing was awarded a development contract, which called for the delivery of 18 initial operational KC-46s by 2017. The USAF sought a total of 179 new tankers.[38] In June 2011, development costs were reportedly projected to overrun by about $300 million (~$344 million in 2019). Boeing would be responsible for this amount, which exceeds the contract cost cap of $4.9 billion.[39][40] In July 2011, revised projections indicated a reduced cost overrun.[41] In 2013, the USAF added additional crews and flight hours to their future plans in response to a review that showed that the best of current plans did not take full advantage of the KC-46's cargo and aeromedical evacuation advantages over the KC-135.[42]

In August 2013, Boeing and the USAF completed a critical design review (CDR) for the KC-46. With the CDR complete, the design was set and production and testing could proceed. Wing assembly for the first aircraft began in June 2013. Flight testing of the 767-2C airframe, which would be reconfigured into the KC-46, was scheduled to begin in mid-2014. The first fully-equipped KC-46 was projected to fly in early 2015. The contract called for Boeing to build four test aircraft and deliver 18 combat-ready tankers by August 2017. The USAF intended to buy 179 KC-46s, with all delivered by 2028.[43][44]

In December 2013, Boeing joined the wings and fuselage for the first 767-2C to be adapted into a KC-46A.[45] The first of four 767-2C provision freighters were to complete assembly by the end of January 2014. Once assembled, it would go through ground vibration and instrumentation testing and have body fuel tanks added. The first test flight would occur during summer 2014 and include measuring its rate of climb and descent. The Engineering Manufacturing and Design (EMD) model was to be integrated with the needed systems and technologies to become a military-standard KC-46A by January 2015. Seven low-rate production KC-46s were to be delivered in 2015, 12 in 2016, and 15 delivered annually from 2017 to 2027.[46] The last of four test aircraft began assembly in January 2014.[47]

In April 2014, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the KC-46 program was projected to underrun its projected cost estimate of $51.7 billion by $300 million. The program acquisition unit cost per jet will be $287 million, $1.8 million less than estimated. The GAO noted that delays in training air crew and maintainers could cause testing to slip 6–12 months, but stated that the program had not missed any major milestones and that the development of about 15.8 million lines of software code was progressing as planned.[48] In May 2014, the USAF estimated the development program's cost, including the first four aircraft, could rise from $4.4–4.9 billion to $5.85 billion.[49]

In July 2014, Boeing recorded a $272 million pre-tax charge to cover the tanker's wiring redesign.[50][51] The wiring issue arose when it was found that 5-10% of the wiring bundles did not have sufficient separation distance or were not properly shielded to meet a USAF requirement for double or triple-redundant wiring for some mission systems. In September 2014, it was confirmed that the wiring redesign would delay the first 767-2C flight from June 2014 to November 2014.[52][53] In March 2015, the program cost to develop and procure 179 tankers was projected to total US$43.16 billion (~$46.3 billion in 2019).[54]

Flight tests and delays

A KC-46A refuels an A-10 Thunderbolt II.

The 767-2C's first flight took place on 28 December 2014. It flew from Paine Field and landed at Boeing Field.[55][56] In March 2015, a refueling test with a C-17 transport was stopped because of a higher-than-expected boom axial load while delivering fuel. The problem was caused by the turbulent "bow wave effect" generated by two large aircraft flying in line.[57][58][59] In January 2016, the KC-46 successfully refueled an F-16 for the first time during a 5 hour 36 minute sortie. Test refueling of several other military aircraft followed, including a C-17, F/A-18, A-10, and AV-8B.[60] In February 2016, a KC-46 refueled an F/A-18, using its probe-and-drogue system for the first time.[61]

In July 2015, Boeing announced a further $835 million (~$896 million in 2019) pretax charge for the faulty integrated fuel system's redesign and retrofit.[62] Wiring and fuel system flaws could delay contracts worth $3 billion for up to eight months. Following schedule revisions agreed by the USAF and Boeing, the first flight of a fully equipped KC-46 was delayed to as late as September 2015.[63] The Bank of America/Merrill Lynch noted in July 2015 "We fail to understand how Boeing could take a $1.26 billion (~$1.35 billion in 2019) pre-tax charge (since it won the contract over Airbus) on the Boeing KC-46A program since the program is based on the 767 airframe that has been in production for over 30 years."[64]

In March 2016, the Defense Contract Management Agency reportedly had low confidence in the August 2017 deadline, predicting the first 18 tankers' delivery to run about seven months late based on past performance and current risks, such as production delays, a new joint USAF-Boeing schedule review, and flight test uncertainties. The Pentagon's test office was to start combat testing in April 2017.[65]

An April 2016 GAO report projected an additional four months beyond the August 2017 target to deliver 18 KC-46s, and that operational testing will not begin until May 2017 and will not be completed until two months after delivery of the first 18 aircraft, risking late discoveries of problems. The GAO noted that Boeing had not obtained Federal Aviation Administration's approval for two key aerial refueling systems—the centerline drogue system and the wing aerial refueling pods, which were built without following FAA processes—Boeing projected readiness for FAA certification by July 2017, over three years late.[66] The 18 KC-46s were to include the four EMD aircraft raised to operational standards, plus the first 14 low-rate production tankers. Instead, 16 of the 18 were off the production line. Boeing was liable for all late design fixes on tankers delivered before testing ended.[67]

In April 2016, the fourth test aircraft, 767-2C EMD-3, first flew. EMD-3 focused on environmental control systems, including temperature and smoke penetration testing.[68] Two days later, Boeing took another pre-tax charge of $243 million for cost overruns, bringing the total amount paid for tanker cost overruns to $1.5 billion. Boeing president and chief executive Dennis Muilenburg stated that 80% of the test points required for a positive Milestone C decision had been completed.[69] Flight testing helped determine whether a refueling fault could be resolved by either software or hardware changes, which Boeing worked on in parallel.[70]

In May 2016, a further delay of at least six months due to technical and supply chain issues was reported, potentially requiring program re-structuring and cuts. At the time, only 20% of the flight tests were completed.[71] In June 2016, USAF spokesman Maj. Rob Leese confirmed that, while the contract with Boeing lacked predefined delay penalties, not delivering the 18 certified KC-46s by August 2017 is a contract schedule breach, and that the USAF would receive considerations from Boeing in the schedule re-baseline after the RRA delay.[72][73] In July 2016, US Defense Acquisitions Chief Frank Kendall confirmed that the tanker program office was studying the delay's cost to the USAF, and that it was entitled to consideration for losses from operating the KC-135 for longer than planned.[74]

On 8 June 2016, Boeing's defense unit CEO, Leanne Caret, reported that a modified boom would be flown shortly.[75] On 10 July 2016, Caret reported positive results from early flight tests with the revised boom.[74] On 21 July 2016, Boeing took a further $393 million charge on the program, bringing the total value of penalties to almost $1.9 billion. The charge reflected higher costs associated with the schedule and technical challenges, such as the boom axial load issue, delays in the certification process and concurrency between testing and initial production.[76] The initial 18 KC-46s were equipped with the boom and centerline drogue, but not the wing-mounted wing-aerial refueling pods (WARP) needed for full contractual Required Assets Available, they were delivered separately later.[77]

On 5 July 2016, USAF spokesman Daryl Mayer stated that, despite the testing delays, Milestone C approval was expected in the following month, and that Boeing would add a fifth EMD aircraft to accelerate testing. EMD-1 and EMD-3 primarily conducted flight tests towards FAA airworthiness certificates, while EMD-2 and EMD-4 focused on USAF aerial refueling and mission system testing.[78] An F-16 was successfully refueled on 8 July, and a C-17 on 12 July 2016. Once the hardware fix is verified, a KC-46 with the updated boom underwent regression testing on the F-16, followed by refueling demonstrations with the C-17 and A-10 for the final test for Milestone C approval.[79][80] On 15 July 2016, the KC-46 successfully refueled an A-10, offloading 1,500 pounds of fuel at 15,000 feet. At the time, more than 900 flight test hours have been completed by the five EMD aircraft.[81] On 12 August 2016, the program received Milestone C approval, indicating production readiness. The issuing of contracts for two lots covering 19 aircraft was expected within 30 days.[82]

A KC-46A connects with an F-35A Lightning II over California, Jan. 2019.

In January 2018, Air Mobility Command stated that tests for final FAA certification were roughly 94 percent complete.[83] Boeing announced its FAA certification in September 2018, with military certification outstanding. Aircraft refueled during testing include the F-16, F/A-18, AV-8B, C-17, A-10, KC-10, KC-135 and the KC-46 itself.[84] In January 2019, a KC-46 from the 418th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards AFB made connection with an F-35A, the occasion being the first time that the KC-46 connected with a fifth-generation jet fighter.[85] Completion of refueling certification of the F-35 by the KC-46 was announced by the 412th Test Wing in June 2019.[86]

In March 2020, the USAF announced that chronic leaks in the fuel system had been upgraded to a Category I deficiency. The USAF identified the issue in June 2019, but had not originally believed it to be serious. Crews became aware of the issue when they discovered fuel between the primary and secondary fuel protection barriers. There was no known root cause at the time of the announcement.[87] By January 2021, Boeing's losses on the program were estimated at $5 billion (~$NaN in 2019).[88] At the time, it was expected that the KC-46 would not be combat ready until at least late 2023.[89]

Design

Seats fitted in the interior of a KC-46A

The KC-46 Pegasus is a variant of the Boeing 767 and is a widebody, low-wing cantilever monoplane with a conventional empennage featuring a single fin and rudder. It has a retractable tricycle landing gear and a hydraulic flight control system. The Pegasus is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW4062 engines, one mounted under each wing. It has been described as combining "the 767-200ER's fuselage, with the 767-300F's wing, gear, cargo door and floor, with the 767-400ER digital flightdeck and flaps".[90] The KC-46 uses a similar Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) to that implicated in two 737 MAX crashes; in March 2019, the USAF began reviewing KC-46 training due to this feature. Unlike the 737, the KC-46's MCAS takes input from dual redundant angle of attack sensors and disengages with stick input by the pilot.[91]

The flightdeck has room for a crew of four with a forward crew compartment with seats for 15 crew members and in the rear fuselage either palletized passenger seating for 58, or 18 pallets in cargo configuration. The rear compartment can also be used in an aero-medical configuration for 54 patients (24 on litters).[92] Quick ingress from the ground is available via a ladder that can be pulled down near the front landing gear.[93] The KC-46A can carry 212,299 lb (96,297 kg) of fuel,[94] 10 percent more than the KC-135, and 65,000 lb (29,000 kg) of cargo. Survivability is improved with infrared countermeasures and the aircraft has limited electronic warfare capabilities.[46] It uses manual flight controls, allowing unrestricted maneuverability to avoid threats anywhere in the flight envelope.[95]

Aerial Refueling Operator Station

At the rear of the KC-46 is a fly-by-wire refueling boom supplemented by wing air refueling pods at each wingtip and a centerline drogue system under the rear fuselage so it can handle both types of refueling in one mission.[92] The boom includes a hydraulic relief valve system, similar to those on the KC-10 and KC-767 tankers, to relieve axial pressure in the event of excessive loads building up on the boom.[75] In order to address the stiff boom issue, which keeps a KC-46 from refueling lightweight, thrust-limited receivers like the A-10, Boeing is replacing the current actuator with one using a pressure-flow PQ valve in the 2023 time frame.[96]

Rather than using a single boom operator seated or prone at the tail looking out a window, the Aerial Refueling Operator Station (AROS) seats two operators at the front of the tanker. AROS includes three main displays for each operator to display images from multiple multi-spectral cameras distributed around the aircraft. The central 2D/3D display provides a rear-facing view for boom refueling operations. Boom operators can execute their mission in total darkness with both aircraft blacked out.[97] The hybrid 2D-3D system requires stereoscopic glasses to be fully effective.[97]

The Remote Vision System (RVS) that feeds video to the AROS has been problematic, motion viewed in the RVS versus which can create a depth compression and curvature effect.[97] Blackouts and washouts on the displays during refueling, caused by shadows or direct sunlight are a problem that will be fixed by the RVS 2.0 upgrade along with depth perception issues via the use of new cameras and a full-color high-definition screen. Experienced boom operators of older tankers still prefer the KC-46, even with its current drawbacks.[98]

Operational history

United States

The first delivered KC-46A (15-46009) lands at McConnell AFB in January 2019.

In April 2014, the USAF announced that the KC-46 will be based at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas, with an optimistic expectation of receiving the first of 36 tankers in 2016.[99][100] McConnell AFB was chosen because it had low construction costs and it is in a location with a high demand for air refueling, having KC-135s based there. In addition to McConnell AFB serving as the home base, up to 10 operating bases will be used by the KC-46. Crews will be trained at Altus Air Force Base , Oklahoma, which was also chosen for its limited construction needs and for its existing experience with training programs for the C-17 Globemaster and the KC-135.[101]

In October 2015, the USAF announced that Seymour Johnson Air Force Base , North Carolina, was chosen as the preferred alternative for the first Reserve-led KC-46A main operating base, with an anticipated arrival of the KC-46As at Seymour Johnson in fiscal year 2019. Tinker Air Force Base , Oklahoma; Westover Air Reserve Base, Massachusetts; and Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana, were named as the reasonable alternatives. The October 2015 announcement also stated that the USAF intended to initiate an Environmental Impact Analysis Process (EIAP), which the USAF would use to make its final basing decisions.[102]

On 10 January 2019, the USAF took delivery of the first KC-46, well past the original 2016 delivery date, albeit with two issues outstanding and funds withheld.[103] The two outstanding issues were inadequate boom pressure when refueling the A-10 Warthog and glare induced distortion under certain conditions in the remote vision system (RVS). The USAF acknowledged that they failed to give Boeing adequate specifications for the A-10.[104] At milestone C, Boeing gave the USAF a boom design that used the international standard of 1400 lbs of thrust resistance, which they accepted, but the A-10 is only able to generate 650 lbs.[105]

On 25 January 2019, the 22d Air Refueling Wing at McConnell AFB received its first two KC-46As (15-46009 and 17-46031).[106] In February 2019, the 97th Air Mobility Wing at Altus AFB received its first KC-46.[107]

A KC-46 preparing to refuel the Navy Blue Angels over South Dakota, July 2020

In April 2019, it was confirmed that the USAF halted all deliveries on 23 March and until further notification, as loose material and debris were found in planes already delivered.[108]

In August 2019, the 157th Air Refueling Wing at Pease Air National Guard Base received its first KC-46A.[109]

In September 2019, the USAF restricted the KC-46 from carrying cargo and passengers due to an issue with the floor cargo locks unlocking mid-flight.[110] A fix was approved by the USAF in November 2019 and were retrofitted upon delivered aircraft.[111] By 20 December 2019, four KC-46As had received new cargo locks and the USAF had closed the Category 1 deficiency and cleared retrofitted aircraft for cargo and passenger operations.[112]

In June 2020, the 916th Air Refueling Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base received its first KC-46A.[113] By January 2021, Boeing had delivered 42 KC-46As to the USAF and was on contract for 94 tankers.[114]

In early 2021, the USAF cleared the KC-46 for limited operational use. The type can conduct U.S.-based refueling only, requiring other tankers for deployments to combat areas. At the time, the KC-46 could refuel the B-52, F-15, F-16, and F/A-18, but it was not approved to service the A-10, F-22, F-35, B-1, or B-2. It is expected to be fully combat-ready by 2023.[115][116][117]

During September 2022, the USAF approved the KC-46 for general operational use, closing out a 15-month evaluation period.[118]

Export bids

Japan

A KC-46 taking off from Yokota Air Base in Japan in October 2018

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) operates four of the earlier Boeing KC-767 tankers that were delivered from 2008 to 2010.[119] In October 2015, Japan selected the KC-46, with a contract for three tankers expected in 2016.[120] The decision allows for common operations and training with the USAF. Japan was reportedly attracted to its capability to refuel MV-22 Osprey tiltrotors, which the JASDF is to receive. Airbus declined to bid its A330 MRTT as they viewed Japan's request for proposals as intended for the KC-46.[121][122]

A Japanese KC-46 in 2023

The three tankers are to be fielded around 2020 at a cost of more than ¥20.8 billion, about US$173 million (~$NaN in 2019) per aircraft.[123][124] An order for a third and fourth KC-46 was placed in October 2020.[125] Japan ordered two additional KC-46s in December 2022, bringing Japan's order total to six.[126] In February 2021, the JASDF conducted its first KC-46 flight.[127] Training of Japanese KC-46 pilots began in June 2021 and Japan received its first KC-46 in November 2021.[128]

India

In January 2018, the Indian Air Force re-launched its air-to-air refueling procurement program, and sent out a request for information for six refueling aircraft to Airbus, Boeing, and Ilyushin, to which Boeing could respond with an offer for the KC-46 Pegasus.[129] Airbus and Boeing responded to the request for information, while Ilyushin was disqualified as the official requirement is for an aircraft with two turbofan engines.[130]

In April 2022, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced that it had entered into an MoU with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to convert passenger aircraft into multi-mission tanker transport (MMTT) aircraft in India.[131]

Indonesia

In January 2018, Indonesian Air Force officials were reported as saying they were studying both the Airbus A330 MRTT and KC-46 tankers for a future modernization program, expected to take place after the current Airbus A400M Atlas program completes. The Indonesian Air Force is said to compare the tankers on compatibility with the force's current aircraft, life-cycle costs, interoperability with current and future assets, and potential funding and technology transfer options with state-owned aircraft manufacturer Indonesian Aerospace.[132]

Israel

In March 2020, the State Department approved the Foreign Military Sale to Israel of eight KC-46s and related equipment for a cost of $2.4 billion (~$NaN in 2019).[133] In September 2022, Boeing announced Israel has purchased four KC-46s for delivery in 2025.[134] The contract includes provisions to enable Israel to potentially purchase a further four KC-46s.[135]

Italy

In November 2022, it was reported that Italy is negotiating the purchase of six KC-46s, to be designated KC-767B by Italy, after deciding to forgo modernization work on the current fleet of four KC-767As. The purchase could include logistics support for the KC-46A fleet for a period of five years. The total cost of the contract could be approximately €1.12 billion. Italy's four KC-767As would be sold to Boeing.[136][137]

Failed bids

Canada

In February 2017, Boeing stated it would bid the KC-46A for the Royal Canadian Air Force 's Strategic Tanker Transport Capability competition, which is to replace Canada's fleet of CC-150 Polaris tankers. The contract is valued at C$1.5+ billion.[138] In April 2021, Airbus Defence and Space and their submission of the A330 MRTT was deemed to be the only qualified bidder to replace the CC-150.[139]

Korea

In June 2014, Boeing submitted the KC-46 for the Republic of Korea Air Force 's requirement for four aerial tankers. The KC-46 competed with the Airbus A330 MRTT.[140] South Korea selected the Airbus A330 MRTT in June 2015.[141]

Poland

Boeing pitched the KC-46 to the Polish Air Force for its tanker requirement.[142] In December 2014, Airbus was awarded a contract for four A330 MRTTs from a consortium of Poland, the Netherlands, and Norway.[143][144]

United Arab Emirates

In May 2019, according to Boeing, the United Arab Emirates made a formal request to procure three KC-46As.[145][146] In November 2021 the United Arab Emirates ordered two more Airbus A330 MRTTs for a total of five.[147]

Operators

 Israel
 Japan
  • Japan Air Self-Defense Force - 2 of 4 aircraft on order delivered as of 24 February 2022[150][151][125]
 United States
  • United States Air Force - 77 aircraft delivered[152][153][154]
    • Air Force Materiel Command
      • 412th Test Wing (AFMC) - Edwards AFB, California (2 on loan from McConnell AFB)[85]
        • 418th Flight Test Squadron
    • Air Education and Training Command
      • 97th Air Mobility Wing (AETC) – Altus AFB, Oklahoma (aircrew training), full complement of 8 delivered as of 6 October 2021[155][156][157]
        • 56th Air Refueling Squadron
      • 22d Air Refueling Wing (AMC) – McConnell AFB, Kansas , 23 of 36 delivered as of 20 May 2022[106][158][159]
        • 344th Air Refueling Squadron
      • 60th Air Mobility Wing (AMC) - Travis AFB, California , 6 of 24 have been delivered as of 8 December 2023[160]
        • 6th Air Refueling Squadron
        • 9th Air Refueling Squadron
      • 305th Air Mobility Wing (AMC) - Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst, 14 of 24 delivered as of 18 August 2023[161][162][163][164]
        • 2d Air Refueling Squadron
      • 108th Wing (ANG) - McGuire AFB, NJ
        • 141st Air Refueling Squadron
        • 170th Air Refueling Squadron
    • Air Force Reserve Command
      • 916th Air Refueling Wing (AFRC) – Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina, Full complement of 12 delivered as of December 16th 2022[165][166][167][168] Air Mobility Command
        • 6th Air Mobility Wing (AMC)
          • 911th Air Refueling Squadron – Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina (Active Duty Associate to the 916 ARW)[citation needed]
        • 77th Air Refueling Squadron
    • Air National Guard
      • 157th Air Refueling Wing (ANG) – Pease ANGB, New Hampshire, full complement of 12 delivered as of 5 February 2021[169][170]
        • 133d Air Refueling Squadron

Specifications

Data from USAF KC-46A,[94] Boeing KC-767,[171] Boeing 767-200ER[172]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 3 (2 pilots, 1 boom operator) basic crew; 15 permanent seats for additional/optional air crew members, including aeromedical evacuation crew members
  • Capacity: seating for up to 114 people, 18 463L pallets, or 58 patients (24 litters, 34 ambulatory) and 65,000 lb (29,500 kg) payload
  • Length: 165 ft 6 in (50.5 m)
  • Wingspan: 157 ft 8 in (48.1 m)
  • Height: 52 ft 1 in (15.9 m)
  • Empty weight: 181,610 lb (82,377 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 415,000 lb (188,240 kg)
  • Fuel Capacity: 212,299 lb (96,297 kg)
    Fuel Capacity (vol): 31,220 US gal (118,200 L)
    Maximum Transfer Fuel Load: 207,672 lb (94,198 kg)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney PW4062 turbofan, 62,000[171] lbf (280 kN) thrust each

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 570 mph (914 km/h, 500 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 530 mph (851 km/h, 460 kn)
  • Range: 7,350 mi (11,830 km, 6,385 nmi) ; global with in flight refueling[171]
  • Service ceiling: 40,100 ft (12,200 m)

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

Related lists

  • List of United States military aerial refueling aircraft

References

  1. ↑ "KC-46A cleared for worldwide deployments following first combat refuel". 20 September 2022. https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3163982/kc-46a-cleared-for-worldwide-deployments-following-first-combat-refuel/. 
  2. ↑ "Air Mobility Command approves KC-46A Pegasus for worldwide deployments following first combat refuel". 22 September 2022. https://theaviationgeekclub.com/air-mobility-command-approves-kc-46a-pegasus-for-worldwide-deployments-following-first-combat-refuel/. 
  3. ↑ "Orders & Deliveries". https://www.boeing.com/commercial/#/orders-deliveries. 
  4. ↑ "U.S. Air Force Accepts First Boeing KC-46A Pegasus Tanker Aircraft" (Press release). Boeing. Jan 10, 2019. Archived from the original on 10 January 2019. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
  5. ↑ "Model Designation of Military Aerospace Vehicles". 12 May 2004. https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodm/412015l.pdf. 
  6. ↑ Tirpak, John A. (1 August 2003). "100 Tankers". https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/0803tankers/. 
  7. ↑ Tirpak, John A. (1 February 2004). "Tanker Twilight Zone". https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/0204tanker/. 
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  133. ↑ "Israel – KC-46A Aerial Refueling Aircraft | The Official Home of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency". https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/israel-kc-46a-aerial-refueling-aircraft. 
  134. ↑ Williams, Dan (2022-09-01). "Eye on Iran, Israel to buy four Boeing air force tankers for $927 million" (in en). Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/boeing-says-israel-buy-four-air-force-refuelling-planes-927-mln-2022-09-01/. 
  135. ↑ Frantzman, Seth (1 September 2022). "Israel, Boeing agree to $927M deal for four KC-46A tankers" (in en). Defense News. https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2022/09/01/israel-boeing-prepare-to-sign-927m-deal-for-four-kc-46a-tankers/. 
  136. ↑ Dubois, Gastón (2022-11-03). "Italy is negotiating the purchase of six Boeing KC-46A tankers" (in es). https://www.aviacionline.com/2022/11/italy-is-negotiating-the-purchase-of-six-boeing-kc-46a-tankers/. 
  137. ↑ Cenciotti, David (2022-11-03). "Italy Will Buy Six KC-46 Tankers To Replace Its KC-767As" (in en-US). https://theaviationist.com/2022/11/03/italy-will-buy-six-kc-46-tankers/. 
  138. ↑ "Boeing to bid KC-46 on future RCAF tanker program - Skies Mag". https://www.skiesmag.com/news/boeing-bid-kc-46-future-rcaf-tanker-program/. 
  139. ↑ Pugliese, David (1 April 2021). "Airbus deemed only qualified supplier for new RCAF refueling and VIP aircraft". Ottawa Citizen. https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/airbus-deemed-only-qualified-supplier-for-new-rcaf-refueling-and-vip-aircraft. 
  140. ↑ Hoyle, Craig (30 June 2014). "Boeing offers KC-46 for South Korea tanker requirement". London: Flightglobal. https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-offers-kc-46-for-south-korea-tanker-requirement-400898/. 
  141. ↑ "South Korea Selects Airbus for $1.33B Tanker Contract". Defense News. 30 June 2015. http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/international/asia-pacific/2015/06/30/south-korea-selects-airbus-military-contract/29519825/. 
  142. ↑ Perry, Dominic (3 September 2014). "Boeing eyes Poland as first KC-46A export buyer". Warsaw: Flightglobal. https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-eyes-poland-as-first-kc-46a-export-buyer-403307/. 
  143. ↑ "Airbus leaps ahead of Boeing in race for airborne tanker exports". Puget Sound Business Journal. 24 December 2014. http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2014/12/24/airbus-leaps-ahead-of-boeing-in-race-for-airborne.html. 
  144. ↑ "European Partners Opt for Airbus Military Tanker". The Wall Street Journal. 19 December 2014. https://www.wsj.com/articles/european-partners-opt-for-airbus-military-tanker-1419013353. 
  145. ↑ Yeo, Mike (31 May 2019). "UAE issues formal request to buy KC-46A tanker, says Boeing". Singapore. https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2019/05/31/uae-issues-formal-request-to-buy-kc-46a-tanker-says-boeing/. 
  146. ↑ McGinley, Shane. "UAE submits request to buy three Boeing tanker aircraft" (in en). https://www.arabianbusiness.com/transport/421409-uae-submits-request-to-buy-three-boeing-tanker-aircraft. 
  147. ↑ "United Arab Emirates orders two additional Airbus A330 MRTT". 14 November 2021. https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2021-11-united-arab-emirates-orders-two-additional-airbus-a330-mrtt. 
  148. ↑ Gross, Judah Ari. "Ministers sign off on pricey purchase of F-35s, refuelers and bombs" (in en-US). https://www.timesofisrael.com/ministers-sign-off-on-pricey-purchase-of-f-35s-refuelers-and-bombs/. 
  149. ↑ "In first, US to sell new aerial re-fuelling planes to Israel". 19 June 2019. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190619-in-first-us-to-sell-new-aerial-re-fuelling-planes-to-israel/. 
  150. ↑ Bixby, Tom [@TomBixby4] (15 March 2022). "Japan's second kc46 Pegasus was delivered on February 24th but it hasn't made any news site so there it is t.co/SADmT70ETZ" (in en). https://twitter.com/TomBixby4/status/1503938288360603650. 
  151. ↑ "Trick or Treat: Japan accepts its first KC-46 tanker" (in en-US). 1 November 2021. https://breakingdefense.sites.breakingmedia.com/2021/11/trick-or-treat-japan-accepts-its-first-kc-46-tanker/. 
  152. ↑ Boeing Defense [@BoeingDefense] (9 November 2021). "Twin tanker takeoffs! The first two #KC46 for @jointbasemdl have departed Boeing Field. These are the 49th and 50th KC-46 deliveries to the @usairforce. t.co/UYMr15tEEj". https://twitter.com/BoeingDefense/status/1458113579706683398. 
  153. ↑ Boeing Defense [@BoeingDefense] (20 May 2022). "Two more #KC46 tankers are in the air! Today's deliveries to @JointBaseMDL and @22ARW mark 59 KC-46 aircraft in service for the @USAirForce. Airmen are enabling global reach and rapid mobility, and we're proud to support them. t.co/jckIIgf30c" (in en). https://twitter.com/BoeingDefense/status/1527761901597368321. 
  154. ↑ Boeing Defense (1 December 2023). "December delivery day" (in en). https://twitter.com/BoeingDefense/status/1730677254043177057. 
  155. ↑ Altus Air Force Base [@97AMW] (8 October 2021). "Welcome home to our final KC-46! @BoeingDefense @AETCommand @AETCcommandteam t.co/sA88ugkI2H". https://twitter.com/97AMW/status/1446518500722450438. 
  156. ↑ Everstine, Brian (20 May 2019). "Boeing Delivers Three More KC-46s, USAF Fleet Now at 11". Air Force Magazine. http://www.airforcemag.com/Features/Pages/2019/May%202019/Boeing-Delivers-Three-More-KC-46s-USAF-Fleet-Now-at-11.aspx. 
  157. ↑ "Boeing Negotiating Potential KC-46 Communications Upgrade". 18 September 2020. https://www.aviationtoday.com/2020/09/18/boeing-negotiating-potential-kc-46-communications-upgrade/. 
  158. ↑ "McConnell Welcomes KC-46 #21 to the Fleet!" (in en-US). 13 January 2020. https://www.mcconnell.af.mil/News/Article/2055647/mcconnell-welcomes-kc-46-21-to-the-fleet/. 
  159. ↑ "Another #KC46 is on the way to @22ARW From first delivery to global deployment, #TeamMcConnell has been proving out the capabilities that make the Pegasus the most advanced multi-mission aerial refueler in the world." (in en). https://twitter.com/BoeingDefense/status/1583543510732603407. 
  160. ↑ "Seeing double" (in en). https://twitter.com/BoeingDefense/status/1733261744783376762. 
  161. ↑ Bixby, Tom [@TomBixby4] (18 March 2022). "Delivery flight kc46 Pegasus for Mcguire dix lakenhurts their 6th of the future 24 that will be Station there t.co/InhCVORGJE" (in en). https://twitter.com/TomBixby4/status/1504875612523180040. 
  162. ↑ "KC-46 Arrivals Herald End of KC-10 Era at McGuire Even as Capacity Questions Persist" (in en-US). 14 November 2021. https://www.airforcemag.com/kc-46-arrivals-herald-end-of-kc-10-era-at-mcguire-even-as-capacity-questions-persist/. 
  163. ↑ Bixby, Tom [@TomBixby4] (17 June 2022). "Kc46 Pegasus on a delivery flight for the USA air force Their 61st tanker and Mcguire dix lakenhurts 8th of 24 delivered t.co/5og86UC8XU" (in en). https://twitter.com/TomBixby4/status/1537879895178522624. 
  164. ↑ "Friday flyaway" (in en). https://twitter.com/BoeingDefense/status/1692609264081105032. 
  165. ↑ Boeing Defense [@BoeingDefense] (3 June 2022). "The 60th #KC46 is now in the @USAirForce fleet! This tanker is on the way to Seymour Johnson AFB, home of the @916ARW. t.co/wwlIJhbyvH" (in en). https://twitter.com/BoeingDefense/status/1532785809555857408. 
  166. ↑ Bixby, Tom [@TomBixby4] (18 March 2022). "Delivery flight kc46 Pegasus for Seymour Johnson afb their 10th of 12 they will receive t.co/9RJhZ52l1G" (in en). https://twitter.com/TomBixby4/status/1504875244644933638. 
  167. ↑ Boeing Defense [@BoeingDefense] (17 December 2021). "Two more #KC46 tankers are bound for @SJAFB. These are the 8th and 9th Pegasus aircraft for Seymour Johnson. t.co/O3KBKGlYVU". https://twitter.com/BoeingDefense/status/1471928004981014528. 
  168. ↑ "Special delivery for @916ARW" (in en). https://twitter.com/BoeingDefense/status/1603858452605968384. 
  169. ↑ Boeing Defense [@BoeingDefense] (11 December 2020). "Friday is a great day for a double #KC46 fly away. @157ARW here we come! t.co/fbJjwTcWDN". https://twitter.com/BoeingDefense/status/1337520781681684483. 
  170. ↑ Lenahan, Ian (5 February 2021). "Final KC-46A tanker delivered to 157th Air Refueling Wing at Pease". Dover, New Hampshire. https://www.fosters.com/story/news/local/2021/02/05/final-kc-46-a-tanker-delivered-157th-air-refueling-wing-pease/4369755001/. 
  171. ↑ 171.0 171.1 171.2 KC-767 Advanced Tanker product card (archive copy), KC-767 International Tanker backgrounder . Boeing.
  172. ↑ 767-200ER specifications . Boeing.

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