Built to meet the stringent airworthiness and performance requirements of the U.S. Air Force and Federal Aviation Administration. Boeing has made substantial investments in order to meet these precise and unique requirements, making the KC-46A the most advanced multimission aerial refueler in the world. The KC-46A continues to evolve for the future as we integrate cutting-edge technological capabilities that will benefit generations of service members.
The most advanced multimission aerial refueling aircraft
Capabilities and Features
Global Deployment
Approved for all global mission deployments, including combat operations.
Airworthiness
The only tanker to meet the stringent Federal Aviation Administration and U.S. Air Force airworthiness and performance requirements, the KC-46A is approved by the U.S. Air Force for all global mission deployments, including combat operations.
Interoperability
With more than 100 in service globally, the KC-46A offers unrivaled interoperable capability to U.S. allied forces and international partners for mission success.
Sorties
Every month, the KC-46A flies hundreds of sorties and offloads more than 5 million pounds (22.7 million kilograms) of fuel to receivers globally.
Proven hose-and-drogue system
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.
Shorter runways
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.
Air Refueling
All ranges and shorter runways for the full spectrum of missions.
Enhanced air 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.
Robust receiver certifications
Twenty-eight boom and drogue receivers certified, including foreign receiver clearances in CENTCOM and EUCOM supporting coalition operations worldwide for F-35, F-18, AV-8, F-16, F-15QA and P-8.
Receives fuel
Unlike many existing tankers, the KC-46A can also receive fuel, which significantly extends the range and flexibility of global mobility and power projection maneuvers.
Three times larger receiver envelope
The KC-46A boom provides a receiver envelope three times larger than the KC-135.
212,000 pounds fuel capacity
The KC-46A’s 212,000 pounds (96,162 kilograms) of fuel capacity enables the full spectrum of refueling missions.
Adapts for Rapid Mobility
Rapid mobility and multi-role capabilities.
Large cargo doors and cargo rollers
The KC-46A's 212,000 pounds (96.162 kilograms) of fuel capcity enables the full spectrum of refueling missions.
Two-hour conversion
The KC-46A can convert between cargo, passenger and aeromedical evacuation modes in just two hours — with cargo rollers – and is compatible with all U.S. Air Force loaders. Emergency oxygen and electrical power for medevac support included.
Spacious crew compartment
Contains enough space for 15 crew members, bunks, storage, a galley and a lavatory.
Configurations.
Passenger
- Two times more passengers than the KC-135
- FAA certified for 58 passengers, 114 for contingency operations
- C-17 palletized seating
- Palletized Air Transportable Galley/Lavatory and passenger bags
Cargo
- Three times more pallets than the KC-135
- Seamless integration with Defense Transportation System
- Eighteen 463L pallets, 10 pallets centerline configuration
- Integrated roller system
- Compatible with all U.S. Air Force loaders
Aeromedical evacuation
- Thirty percent more patients than the KC-135
- Twenty-four litter/30 ambulatory
- Six-patient integrated capability
- Onboard emergency oxygen and electrical power
Life Cycle Value
Lower acquisition, operations and sustainment costs.
Robust supply chain
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, Washington, is delivering mission-ready aircraft today.
Twenty-five percent less operating costs
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.
Longer lifespan
Built as a combat-ready tanker from day one of production, the KC-46A has a longer lifespan and a reduction in the airframe corrosion that can occur in postproduction modification.
Economy of scale
Fleet commonality and interoperability leverages economy of scale for the U.S. Air Force and allies.
Proven powerful platform
Based on the 767 Freighter, and paired with Pratt & Whitney PW4062 engines with 62,000 pound-force thrust per engine and 120 kilovolt-amperes generations, the KC-46A is both powerful and fuel efficient.
Connects and Protects
Layers of defensive countermeasures to detect, avoid, defeat and survive threats.
Data delivery
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.
Battlespace awareness
Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) provides integration tactical situational awareness and real-time information superiority using large Boeing 787-style 15-inch displays, allowing pilots to quickly optimize flight parameters.
Multilayered protection
Electromagnetic pulse; nuclear, chemical and biological hardening; flight deck armor; along with armoring and countermeasures provide added protection.
Utilization
Onboard aircraft health diagnostic systems provide real-time health monitoring and improve operational availability and mission capability.
Evolving
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 Air Force and Boeing are investing in a Block 1 upgrade of additional advanced communications capabilities to further enhance the Pegasus’ data connectivity and situational awareness.
Defensive systems
Infrared countermeasures, radio frequency warning and night vision lighting for covert operations give the aircraft the defensive edge.
Specifications
Width |
156 feet, 1 inch (47.5 meters) |
| Length | 165 feet, 10 inches (50.5 meters) |
Height |
52 feet, 10 inches (16.1 meters) |
| Engines | Two Pratt & Whitney PW4062 with 62,000 pound-force (289.13 kilonewtons) thrust |
Maximum Takeoff Weight |
415,000 pounds (188,241 kilograms) |
| Maximum Landing Weight | 310,000 pounds (140,614 kilograms) |
Fuel Capacity |
212,299 pounds (96,297 kilograms) |
| Maximum Air Speed | 0.86 Mach (637 mph) |
Wing Air Refueling Pods |
400 gallons per minute (GPM) offload rate |
| Centerline Drogue System | 400 GPM offload rate |
Advanced Fly-By-Wire Refueling Boom |
1,200 GPM offload rate |
| Air Refueling Receptacle | 1,200 GPM |
Crew Compartment |
Seating for 15 crew members |
| Passenger Configuration | 58 passengers, 114 for contingency operations |
Cargo Configuration |
Eighteen 463L pallets, 10 pallets centerline configuration |
| Aeromedical Evacuation Configuration | Fifty-four patients with patient support pallets, 24 litter/30 ambulatory |
Customers
More than one hundred in service globally.
With 168 on contract and over 100 in service globally, the KC-46A offers unrivaled interoperability for mission success.
The U.S. Air Force has been demonstrating the unmatched capability of the KC-46A and the mission readiness it brings to the fleet today. In addition to refueling support, the KC-46A delivers combat capability and data necessary in a multimission tanker for the 21st century warfighter.
Industry Team
On a mission: Meet the people who build the KC-46A.
We’re building the only multimission tanker that’s produced in America for the U.S. Air Force and allies. A team that’s 37,000 employees and suppliers strong, with the ingenuity and tenacity to support those who serve around the world. Because refueling, connecting and protecting are missions that must be accomplished.
News
Meet the team, explore our successes, and watch the KC-46A tanker in action.
#KC46
Program Highlights
Air refueling
The KC-46A is certified for 28 boom and drogue receivers, including foreign receiver clearances in CENTCOM and EUCOM supporting coalition operations worldwide for F-35, F-18, AV-8, F-16, F-15QA and P-8.
