KC‑46 Pegasus completes historic 45‑hour global flight

The KC-46A Pegasus tanker completed a 45-hour westward around-the-world flight. According to the American military, it was the first such flight for the KC-46A. The flying tanker started and ended its journey at McConnell Air Force Base. The flight took place as part of the Maximum Endurance Operation (MEO), an initiative to extend aircraft missions and provide them with greater capabilities and range over significant distances.

"Maximum Endurance Operation is about overcoming the tyranny of distance: with a 48-hour duty day, you can fly around the world," said Captain Cody Donahue, Executive Director of the 22nd Operations Group, which had been planning Project Magellan for months. "In the era of great power competition, crews need the ability to operate longer than in the past. Project Magellan is the next step in gaining experience for AMC [Air Mobility Command - ed.] crews in the groundbreaking construct of MEO."

The KC-46 Pegasus is a flying tanker constructed based on the Boeing KC-747A and designated as the successor to the KC-135 Stratotanker. Boeing presents the aircraft as the world's most advanced multi-role air refueler. Among its various distinctions from its predecessors are the ability to transport more fuel, more excellent range, and the capability to take off from shorter runways compared to the KC-135.

The construction of the KC-46 Pegasus and its equipment are also noteworthy. The aircraft features an armored cockpit and protection against chemical, biological, and nuclear attacks, making it capable of operating in challenging conditions. Its equipment includes, among other things, advanced communication systems, including the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS), which enables the rapid transmission of tactical information necessary for decision-making by airborne commanders.

The primary mission of the KC-46 Pegasus is in-flight refueling. The flying tanker can refuel aircraft such as F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, and F-35 fighters, as well as B-1 and B-2 bombers, and transport planes like the C-130, C-135, or V-22 Osprey. In addition to refueling, the KC-46 can be used for personnel or cargo transport. In this latter role, it performs quite well; Boeing notes the KC-46 can carry as many pallet loads as the heavy military transport aircraft C-17.