Washington: Aeronautical giant Boeing’s KC-46A Pegasus has been designed to meet the requirements of the US Air Force and allies for the full spectrum of missions, delivers proven multi-mission capabilities today, and evolves to meet the needs of tomorrow.
The company says it is the only multi-mission tanker that’s produced in America for the US Air Force and allies. A team that’s 37,000 employees and suppliers strong, with the ingenuity and tenacity to support those who serve around the world. Because refuelling, connecting and protecting are missions that must be accomplished.
The KC-46A tanker is approved by the US Air Force for global deployments, including combat operations. With more in service globally than any tanker except the Boeing-built KC-135, the KC-46A is delivering fuel, data and multi-mission capability for the US and allies around the globe.
The KC-46A delivers more fuel at all ranges and from shorter runways than the KC-135 aircraft it’s replacing — while utilising less ramp space than competing tankers — ensuring mission reach from forward and austere airfields.
Unlike many existing tankers, the KC-46A can also receive fuel, which significantly extends the range and flexibility of global mobility and power projection manoeuvres. The combat-readiness and agile-combat-capable design of the KC-46A enables more booms in the air throughout the operational theatre, making it the ideal aircraft for refuelling missions. The proven KC-46A has offloaded more than 100 million pounds (45 million kilograms) of fuel to receivers globally.
The KC-46A has already been described as “game changer” for its ability to exchange data and provide fleet situational awareness at the tactical edge. Armed with data links and Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) integration, the Pegasus tanker connects multi-domain warfighters, providing tactical situational awareness and real-time information superiority.
As the needs of the mission evolve, the KC-46A can efficiently integrate new capabilities and advanced technology thanks to its in-line production. The US Air Force and Boeing are investing in a Block 1 upgrade of additional advanced communications capabilities to further enhance the Pegasus’s data connectivity and situational awareness.
The combat-ready KC-46A features layers of defensive countermeasures to detect, avoid, defeat and survive threats. The KC-46A is the only tanker to meet the stringent Federal Aviation Administration and US Air Force airworthiness and performance requirements. The KC-46A is approved by the US Air Force for all global mission deployments, including combat operations.
