Regan Brown
The KC-46 Pegasus is a wide-body, low-wing cantilever monoplane with a single fin and rudder. It is a combat-ready tanker aircraft that delivers fuel, data, and multi-mission capabilities for the U.S. and its allies. The KC-46 can carry 212,299 pounds (96,297 kg) of fuel, which is 10% more than its predecessor, the KC-135. With its large cargo door and cargo rollers, it can be rapidly loaded and adapted for various missions. The KC-46 is also capable of receiving fuel, which significantly extends its range and flexibility for global mobility. Its defensive countermeasures, infrared countermeasures, and limited electronic warfare capabilities enhance its survivability in combat operations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 212,299 pounds (96,297 kg) |
| Maximum transferable fuel load | 207,000 pounds |
| Monthly offload capacity | 5,000,000 pounds (2,270,000 kg) |
| Total offload capacity | 100,000,000 pounds (45,000,000 kg) |
| Additional features | Receives fuel, delivers data, and has multi-mission capabilities |
| Comparison with KC-135 | Holds 10% more fuel, delivers more fuel at all ranges, and has 30% more patient capacity |
| Compatibility | All U.S. Air Force loaders, and aircraft compatible with international aerial refueling procedures |
| Global deployment status | Approved by the U.S. Air Force |
| Number delivered to the U.S. Air Force | 89 |
| Number delivered to Japan | 4 |
| Number contracted to be delivered to Israel | 4 |
| Safety features | Nuclear, chemical, and biological hardening, and flight deck armour |
| Survivability features | Infrared countermeasures and limited electronic warfare capabilities |
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What You'll Learn
The KC-46A holds 212,299 pounds of fuel
The KC-46A Pegasus Tanker holds 212,299 pounds (96,297 kg) of fuel, which is 10% more than the KC-135. The KC-46A is a combat-ready tanker that has been approved by the U.S. Air Force for global deployments, including combat operations. It has delivered more fuel at all ranges than the KC-135 aircraft it is replacing, while utilizing less ramp space than competing tankers. The KC-46A has successfully refuelled aircraft such as the F-16, F/A-18, AV-8B, C-17, A-10, KC-10, KC-135, and the F-35A.
The KC-46A is a variant of the Boeing 767 and is equipped with a retractable tricycle landing gear and a hydraulic flight control system. It features manual flight controls, ensuring unrestricted maneuverability to evade threats throughout its flight envelope. The aircraft's survivability is further enhanced with infrared countermeasures and limited electronic warfare capabilities. The KC-46A also has the ability to receive fuel, significantly extending its range and flexibility for global mobility and power projection maneuvers.
The KC-46A provides unmatched tactical situational awareness to its crew and relays real-time data to the fleet. It features defensive countermeasures, nuclear, chemical, and biological hardening, and flight deck armor for added protection. The tanker is also compatible with all U.S. Air Force loaders and can convert between cargo, passenger, and aeromedical evacuation modes in just two hours. When configured for aeromedical evacuation, it can transport 54 patients, including 24 on litters, and a crew of five.
The KC-46A has a proven track record of success and is a game-changer for its ability to exchange data and provide fleet situational awareness. It has offloaded more than 100 million pounds (45 million kilograms) of fuel to receivers globally and has flown hundreds of sorties, offloading more than five million pounds (22.7 million kilograms) of fuel monthly.
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That's 96,297 kg
The KC-46 Pegasus is an impressive aircraft designed for aerial refueling and strategic transport missions. When it comes to fuel capacity, the KC-46 can hold up to 96,297 kg (212,300 pounds) of fuel. That's a significant amount, and it showcases the aircraft's capability to refuel multiple receiver aircraft during a single mission. To put it into perspective, the KC-46's fuel capacity is more than double that of its predecessor, the KC-135 Stratotanker, which could carry approximately 45,400 kg (100,000 pounds) of fuel.
The large fuel capacity of the KC-46 is one of its key advantages, enabling it to undertake extended operations and provide support to a wide range of military aircraft. With a full fuel load, the KC-46 can fly over 6,700 kilometers (4,165 miles) without refueling, giving it an exceptional range for a aircraft of its size. Not only does this enhance its operational flexibility, but it also contributes to the KC-46's reputation as a reliable and versatile aerial refueling platform.
The aircraft's design includes a fly-by-wire refueling boom and hose-and-drogue systems, allowing it to refuel both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. This versatility is crucial for supporting a diverse range of aircraft in the air force's inventory. Additionally, the KC-46 can also be used for fuel transport and delivery, making it a vital asset for extending the range and endurance of deployed military forces.
The KC-46 Pegasus' fuel capacity of 96,297 kg is an impressive feature, and it directly contributes to the aircraft's operational effectiveness and strategic value. By being able to carry such a substantial fuel load, the KC-46 enhances the capabilities of the air force, ensuring that aircraft can remain airborne for longer and extend their reach into remote and challenging theaters of operation. This capability is especially crucial for humanitarian missions, disaster relief efforts, and military operations where extended range and endurance are critical to success.
The ability to carry 96,297 kg of fuel has a direct impact on the KC-46's operational flexibility and mission profiles. With such a substantial fuel reserve, the aircraft can adapt to a wide range of scenarios and requirements. Whether it's extending the range of fighter jets during combat missions, providing support to special operations forces in remote areas, or assisting in aerial refueling for long-haul transport flights, the KC-46's fuel capacity plays a pivotal role in ensuring mission success and enhancing the overall capabilities of the air force.
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It can offload 5 million pounds of fuel each month
The KC-46A Pegasus is a combat-ready tanker aircraft designed for aerial refuelling support. It has a fuel capacity of 212,299 pounds (some sources round this to 212,000 pounds) and can offload more than five million pounds of fuel each month.
The KC-46A is a variant of the Boeing 767 and is equipped with a retractable tricycle landing gear and a hydraulic flight control system. It is the first phase in recapitalizing the U.S. Air Force's aging tanker fleet, replacing the KC-135. The KC-46A delivers more fuel at all ranges and from shorter runways than the KC-135, while also utilizing less ramp space than competing tankers.
The KC-46A's large fuel capacity enables the full spectrum of refueling missions. It can offload more than five million pounds of fuel each month, with a maximum transferable fuel load of 207,000 pounds. This is approximately 57,000 pounds more than the KC-135. The KC-46A has successfully refueled a range of aircraft during testing, including the F-16, F/A-18, AV-8B, C-17, A-10, KC-10, KC-135, and the F-35.
The KC-46A is also capable of receiving fuel, which significantly extends the range and flexibility of global mobility and power projection maneuvers. It features defensive countermeasures, infrared countermeasures, and limited electronic warfare capabilities, enhancing its survivability. The KC-46A provides unmatched tactical situational awareness to the crew and relays real-time data to the fleet.
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It delivers more fuel than the KC-135
The KC-46A tanker is approved by the U.S. Air Force for global deployments, including combat operations. The KC-46A delivers more fuel at all ranges than the KC-135 aircraft it is replacing. The KC-46A's 212,000 pounds (96,162 kilograms) of fuel capacity enables the full spectrum of refueling missions. The KC-46A has offloaded more than 100 million pounds (45 million kilograms) of fuel to receivers globally.
The KC-46A delivers more fuel than the KC-135, with a maximum transferable fuel load of 207,000 pounds, which is about 57,000 pounds more than the KC-135. The KC-46A's boom provides a receiver envelope three times larger than the KC-135. The KC-46A can also receive fuel, which significantly extends the range and flexibility of global mobility and power projection maneuvers.
The KC-46A has a longer lifespan and a reduction in the airframe corrosion that can occur in post-production modification. It is equipped with a retractable tricycle landing gear and a hydraulic flight control system. The KC-46A provides unmatched tactical situational awareness to the crew and relays real-time data to the fleet. Nuclear, chemical, and biological hardening, as well as flight deck armor, provide added protection.
The KC-46A is the only tanker to meet the stringent Federal Aviation Administration and U.S. Air Force airworthiness and performance requirements. It is the first phase in recapitalizing the U.S. Air Force's aging tanker fleet. With greater refueling, cargo, and aeromedical evacuation capabilities compared to the KC-135, the KC-46A will provide aerial refueling support to the Air Force and Navy.
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The KC-46A is approved for global deployment
The KC-46A Pegasus is an advanced multi-mission aerial refueler with a fuel capacity of 212,299 pounds (96,297 kg). It is approved by the U.S. Air Force for global deployment and combat operations, and has been described as a "game-changer" for its ability to exchange data and provide fleet situational awareness. The KC-46A has offloaded more than 100 million pounds (45 million kilograms) of fuel to receivers globally.
The KC-46A is a combat-ready tanker with a longer lifespan and reduced airframe corrosion compared to other aircraft. It is equipped with defensive countermeasures to detect, avoid, defeat, and survive threats. The aircraft's electromagnetic pulse (EMP), chemical and biological hardening, along with armour and countermeasures, enhance its combat readiness. The KC-46A is the only tanker that meets the stringent Federal Aviation Administration and U.S. Air Force airworthiness and performance requirements.
The KC-46A delivers fuel, data, and multi-mission capabilities for the U.S. and its allies worldwide. It has a large cargo door and cargo rollers, enabling rapid cargo loading and mission versatility. The aircraft can convert between cargo, passenger, and aeromedical evacuation modes in just two hours. When configured for aeromedical evacuation, it can transport 54 patients, including 24 on litters, along with a crew of five.
The KC-46A has a proven track record of success and has been globally deployed to Japan, Israel, and the Middle East. In September 2022, the KC-46A received clearance for worldwide deployments and combatant commander taskings, including combat operations. The aircraft has participated in training exercises, stateside taskings, and operations in the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and South America. The KC-46A's global reach and capabilities make it a valuable asset for the U.S. Air Force and its allies.
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Frequently asked questions
The KC-46A Pegasus Tanker's fuel capacity is 212,299 pounds (96,297 kg) of fuel.
The KC-46 has a fuel capacity that is 10% more than the KC-135. The KC-46's maximum transferable fuel load is 207,000 pounds, which is about 57,000 pounds more than the KC-135.
The KC-46 is a tanker aircraft used for aerial refueling and can support a full spectrum of refueling missions.
