Meet the World's Most Advanced Multi-Mission Aerial Refueling Aircraft

Built to meet the requirements of the U.S. Air Force and allies for the full spectrum of missions, the combat-ready KC-46 Pegasus air refueling plane delivers proven multi-mission capabilities today, and continues to evolve to meet the needs of tomorrow.

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#KC46 today

Operating globally

The KC-46A tanker is approved by the U.S. Air Force for global deployments, including combat operations. With more in service globally than any tanker except the Boeing-built KC-135, the KC-46A is delivering fuel, data and multi-mission capability for the U.S. and allies around the globe.

U.S.: 68 tankers

To date, Boeing has delivered 68 KC-46A tankers to the U.S. Air Force.

Japan: 2 tankers

Boeing has delivered two KC-46A tankers to Japan, of the six on contract.

Israel: 4 tankers on contract

Currently, four KC-46A tankers are on contract to be delivered to Israel.

Fuels the full spectrum of missions

The KC-46A delivers more fuel at all ranges and from shorter runways than the KC-135 aircraft it’s replacing — while utilizing less ramp space than competing tankers — ensuring mission reach from forward and austere airfields.

Currently, KC-46A air refueling receiver certifications include: AV-8B, B-1, B-2, B-52, C-5, C-17, C-130, C-135, CV-22, E-3, E-8, EA-18, F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, F-35, KC-10, KC-46, KC-135, P-8A and V-22.

The combat-readiness and agile-combat-capable design of the KC-46A enables more booms in the air throughout the operational theater, making it the ideal aircraft for refueling missions.

3X larger receiver envelopeThe KC-46A boom provides a receiver envelope three times larger than the KC-135.
212,000 lbs The KC-46A’s 212,000 pounds (96,162 kilograms) of fuel capacity enables the full spectrum of refueling missions.
100M+ lbsThe proven KC-46A has offloaded more than 100 million pounds (45 million kilograms) of fuel to receivers globally.

Connects and protects the fleet

Top-down front view of KC-46 flying ahead of a KC-10 aircraft.

As a connectivity hub at the tactical edge, the KC-46A provides data as well as fuel to the joint force.

Armed with data links and Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) integration, the Pegasus tanker connects multi-domain warfighters, providing tactical situational awareness and real-time information superiority.

As the needs of the mission evolve, the KC-46A can efficiently integrate new capabilities and advanced technology thanks to its in-line production.

The combat-ready KC-46A features layers of defensive countermeasures to detect, avoid, defeat and survive threats.

Combat readyDefensive countermeasures strengthen ability to deliver fuel and data at the tactical edge.
Battlespace awarenessThe KC-46A provides unmatched tactical situational awareness to the crew and relays real-time data to the fleet.
Unparalleled protectionNuclear, chemical and biological hardening and flight deck armor provide added protection.

Serves the highest-priority air-to-air refueling missions

The KC-46A is the only tanker to meet the stringent Federal Aviation Administration and U.S. Air Force airworthiness and performance requirements. It is operationally supporting the highest-priority missions, including providing presidential support, and performing real-world operations.

In addition, the proven boom and hose-and-drogue systems are capable of refueling all U.S., allied and coalition aircraft compatible with international aerial refueling procedures.

With its track record of success, the KC-46A is proven for today’s missions.

Proven and operational nowThe KC-46A is approved by U.S. Air Force for all global mission deployments, including combat operations.
More booms in the airFour KC-46A tankers can be used for the same operating cost of three larger refuelers, meaning more booms in the air and more fuel where it’s needed.
5M+ lbs of fuelEvery month, the KC-46A flies more than 400 sorties and offloads more than five million pounds (22.7 million kilograms) of fuel to receivers globally.

Adapts for rapid mobility

The KC-46A can convert between cargo, passenger and aeromedical evacuation modes in just two hours — with emergency oxygen and electrical power for medevac support included — and is compatible with all U.S. Air Force loaders.

With a large cargo door and cargo rollers, the KC-46A is adaptable to rapid cargo loading and mission versatility.

When compared to the KC-135 it holds:

3X more palletsThe KC-46A holds as many pallets as a C-17.
2X more passengersWith ample room for passengers, the KC-46A can hold twice as many people as the KC-135.
30% more medevac capacityThe KC-46A can hold 30% more patients than the KC-135.

Delivers life-cycle value

Built as a tanker from day one, the KC-46A has a longer lifespan and a reduction in the airframe corrosion that can occur in post-production modification. Furthermore, fleet commonality and interoperability leverages economy of scale for the U.S. Air Force and allies.

The operating cost of four KC-46A tankers is the same as just three larger refuelers, so operators can have more booms in the air and bring more fuel to the fight.

Supported by a robust KC-46 supply chain that includes more than 650 American businesses and 37,000 American workers throughout more than 40 U.S. states, the current production line in Everett, WA, is delivering mission-ready aircraft today.

Ultimately, the in-production KC-46A has lower acquisition, operations and sustainment costs than any existing widebody aerial refueler and represents the best value over its total lifecycle.

5 U.S. Air Force basesCurrently, five U.S. Air Force bases operate the KC-46A.
40+ U.S. statesThe KC-46 supply chain includes 40+ U.S. states.
InteroperabilityWith more than 120 on contract and more than 65 in service globally, the KC-46 offers unrivaled interoperability for mission success.

Technical specifications

Technical specifications

Learn more about the technical specifications of the KC-46A.

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Capabilities overview

Discover the capabilities of the KC-46A, the world’s most advanced multi-mission aerial refueler.

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Multi-layered protection

Electromagnetic pulse (EMP), chemical and biological hardening, along with armoring and countermeasures, provide unparalleled combat readiness on the KC-46A.

Spacious crew compartment

The KC-46A contains enough space for 15 crew members, bunks, storage, a galley and a lavatory.

Superior situational awareness

Large Boeing 787-style 15-inch displays allow pilots to quickly optimize flight parameters for critical decision-making and mission success.

Delivers data

Certified and flight-test-proven Wing Air Refueling Pods integrate Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) capability to make the KC-46A fleet a “connectivity hotspot” at the tactical edge.

State-of-the-art defensive systems

Infrared countermeasures, radio frequency warning and night vision lighting for covert operations give the aircraft the defensive edge.

Enhanced refueling capability

The KC-46A boasts a fly-by-wire boom with independent disconnect and automatic load alleviation as well as both centerline and wing-mounted hose and drogue systems.

Proven powerful platform

Based on the 767 freighter, and paired with Pratt and Whitney PW4062 Engines with 62K thrust per engine and 120 kVA generations, the KC-46A is both powerful and fuel efficient.

Higher utilization

Onboard aircraft health diagnostic systems provide real-time health monitoring and improve operational availability and mission capability.

KC-46 Specifications

Width	156 ft 1 in (47.5 m)	Length	165 ft 10 in (50.5 m)
Height	52 ft 10 in (16.1 m)	Engines	Two Pratt & Whitney PW 4062 with 62,000 lbf (289.13 kN) thrust
Maximum Takeoff Weight	415,000 lbs (188,241 kg)	Maximum Landing Weight	310,000 lbs (140,614 kg)
Fuel Capacity	212,299 lbs (96,265 kg)	Maximum Air Speed	0.86 Mach (650 mph)

Meet the team and the KC-46

Jaime Garcia still supports the U.S. Air Force’s global mission at the same base where he once served.

Veteran follows KC-46A back to the desert

April 25, 2023 in Defense

Jaime Garcia still supports the U.S. Air Force’s global mission at the same base where he once served.

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Meet the World's Most Advanced Multi-Mission Aerial Refueling Aircraft

#KC46 today

Operating globally

Fuels the full spectrum of missions

Connects and protects the fleet

Serves the highest-priority air-to-air refueling missions

Adapts for rapid mobility

Delivers life-cycle value

Technical specifications

Meet the team and the KC-46

Watch the KC-46 in action

See the Pegasus soar