Boeing's KC-46 © Christopher Okula / Reuters
RT: Boeing’s stealthy Pegasus air tankers to refuel USAF jets in complete darkness (PHOTOS)
The first air tanker in world military history that can refuel planes in complete darkness is undergoing tests ahead of the expected US Air Force acquisition. A total of 179 of Boeing’s KC-46 'Pegasus' tankers will be delivered by the end of the 2017.
The new fleet of ‘aerial gas stations’ are set to replace their predecessors, the KC-135 Stratotankers, which have been in service since the Eisenhower administration. In an emergency, the new KC-46 is also capable of carrying over 100 troops, 54 medical patients or 65,000 pounds (29,500 kg) of cargo, reports CNN Money.
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More News On The U.S. Air Force's KC-46 Tanker Program
Will the KC-46 face another schedule delay? The Air Force will find out in June -- Defense News
Meet Boeing's new covert, flying gas station -- CNN
KC-46 getting FAA, electromagnetic testing -- News OK
KC-46 Pegasus undergoes testing in Benefield Anechoic Facility -- Edwards Air Force Base
USAF wish list requests 14 more F-35s, three more tankers -- Flight Global
Boeing shows off long-troubled Air Force tanker, says deadlines will be met -- Seattle Times
Boeing Confident of Meeting KC-46 Testing, Delivery Targets -- AIN Online
They couldn't do that before? Omg sometimes when I hear things like this I can't believe it... 2017.. Kind of critical to have... Not difficult to develop... why so late ?
ReplyDeleteAnon.
ReplyDeleteI was also surprised. I thought the capability of refuelling at night was a given. Apparently not.