Boeing KC-46 Pegasus
Boeing · United States · first flew 2015 · transport aircraft
The Boeing KC-46 Pegasus is a military aerial refuelling and strategic transport aircraft derived from the Boeing 767-200ER, replacing aging KC-135 Stratotankers in US Air Force service.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 767-derived USAF tanker with under-fuselage refuelling boom |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- 767-derived USAF tanker with under-fuselage refuelling boom
- Wing-mounted hose-and-drogue pods as well as centreline boom
- Military grey finish on wide-body airliner airframe
Visually similar to a Boeing 767 airliner but identifiable by military grey paint, a refuelling boom under the tail, and wing-mounted hose-and-drogue pods.
Specifications
- The Boeing KC-46 Pegasus has a length of 50.5 m (166 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 47.5 m (156 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 919 km/h (571 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 + 3 boom operators.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Selected in 2011 after a lengthy and controversial competition, the KC-46 first flew in 2015 and entered service in 2019. It has encountered technical challenges including issues with the remote vision system used by the boom operator.
Variants
The primary variant is the KC-46A for the USAF; Japan has ordered the KC-46A under the designation KC-46J.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the United States Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force; deliveries are ongoing.
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- Antonov An-178
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- Bombardier Challenger 650
- Gulfstream G600
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