What kind of aircraft does the KC-46A refuel?
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.
How many KC-46 tankers are there?
With 53 aircraft in service, Boeing’s BA +1.4% KC-46 Pegasus tanker is now approved for supporting over two-thirds of the aircraft in the joint air fleet that are capable of receiving fuel in flight.
What does KC stand for in aircraft?
McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender
| KC-10 Extender | |
|---|---|
| A United States Air Force KC-10 Extender refueling an F-16 Fighting Falcon | |
| Role | Aerial refueling tanker, multi-role aircraft (cargo and passenger) |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | McDonnell Douglas |
What is the KC-46 tanker?
The Boeing-built KC-46 tanker is a military version of the 767 commercial aircraft. It is intended to replace the oldest of the U.S. Air Force’s KC-135 Stratotanker fleet — some of which are over 50 years old. The KC-46A will be able to refuel any fixed-wing receiver capable aircraft on any mission.
How many tanker aircraft does the USAF have?
650 tanker aircraft
The United States Air Force operates 650 tanker aircraft—the largest aerial refueler fleet on Earth. The rest of the world has perhaps as many as 250 tankers, and, of these, 80 belong to the US Marine Corps. In short, the Air Force possesses a near monopoly on large-scale aerial refueling capability.
Why does K stand for tanker?
The K prefix indicates it has been modified to carry fuel for refueling other aircraft; a tanker. Examples are the KC-135 and the KC-10. The C means it is a cargo plane, used to transport people or things. The K in front of the C means it has been modified for use as a tanker and can refuel other aircraft in flight.
Can a KC-135 refuel a helicopter?
It also provides aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied nation aircraft. The KC-135 is also capable of transporting litter and ambulatory patients using patient support pallets during aeromedical evacuations.
Can a tanker refuel another tanker?
Tankers can be equipped with multipoint hose-and-drogue systems allowing two (or more) aircraft to refuel simultaneously, reducing time spent refueling by as much as 75% for a four aircraft strike package.
Will the Air Force use the KC-46A Pegasus tanker?
The Air Force is evaluating using the Pegasus for limited operational missions, but it’s still years away from providing its intended mission set. The U.S. Air Force has described its bedeviled KC-46A Pegasus tanker as a “lemon,” amid ongoing problems that prevent it from performing its primary aerial refueling mission on a day-to-day basis.
When did the Air Force get the first Pegasus tanker?
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. The Air Force intends to procure 179 Pegasus aircraft by 2027.
Who makes Boeing’s KC-46 tankers?
The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing the tanker contract in 2011. Boeing will build 179 KC-46 tankers for the USAF. In 2017, Japan became the first international customer for the KC-46. Boeing is on contract to build four KC-46s for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and delivery of the first aircraft is slated for 2021.
Where was the first KC-46 delivered to the Air Force?
On June 12, Boeing delivered its 34th KC-46 Pegasus tanker to the U.S. Air Force, the first to be stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. On June 12, Boeing delivered its 34th KC-46 Pegasus tanker to the U.S. Air Force, the first to be stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.