10/30/15 — About the KC-46A: 'Pegasus'

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About the KC-46A: 'Pegasus'

By Kenneth Fine
Published in News on October 30, 2015 1:46 PM

Mission: The KC-46A is intended to replace the U.S. Air Force's aging fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers which has been the primary refueling aircraft for more than 50 years. With more refueling capacity and enhanced capabilities, improved efficiency and increased capabilities for cargo and aeromedical evacuation, the KC-46A will provide aerial refueling support to the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps as well as allied nation coalition force aircraft.

Primary Function: Aerial refueling and airlift

Prime Contractor: The Boeing Company

Power Plant: 2 Pratt & Whitney 4062

Thrust: 62,000 lbs

Wingspan: 157 feet, 8 inches

Length: 165 feet, 6 inches

Height: 52 feet, 10 inches

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 415,000 pounds

Fuel Capacity: 212,299 pounds

Air Crew: 15 permanent seats for aircrew, including aeromedical evacuation aircrew

Passengers: 58 total (normal operations); up to 114 total (contingency operations)

Aeromedical Evacuation: 58 patients (24 litters/34 ambulatory) with the AE Patient Support Pallet configuration; 6 integral litters carried as part of normal aircraft configuration equipment