// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
KC-46
The KC-46 is a military aircraft primarily used for refueling other planes in mid-air, allowing them to fly longer distances without landing. It can also transport cargo and passengers, serving as a versatile support aircraft for the air force.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The Boeing KC-46 Pegasus is a wide-body, multi-role aerial refueling tanker aircraft developed for the United States Air Force (USAF) and international partners, designed to replace older KC-135 Stratotankers by providing essential in-flight refueling, cargo transport, and aeromedical evacuation capabilities to extend global reach.
BACKGROUND
The Boeing KC-46 Pegasus is an American military aerial refueling and strategic military transport aircraft developed by Boeing from its 767 jet airliner. In February 2011, the tanker was selected by the United States Air Force (USAF) as the winner in the KC-X tanker competition to replace older Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers. The first aircraft was delivered to the USAF in January 2019.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- KC-46 Pegasus
- Pegasus
- Tanker
- Aerial Refueler
- Boeing KC-46
- Multi-role Tanker
USAGE NOTE
The KC-46 is critical for extending the operational range and endurance of fighter jets and other military aircraft, enhancing global power projection capabilities.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to KC-46.
The prime contractor and manufacturer of the KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling and strategic transport aircraft for the United States Air Force and other international customers.
A subsidiary of RTX Corporation, Pratt & Whitney manufactures the PW4062 engines that power the KC-46 Pegasus aircraft.
A subsidiary of RTX Corporation, Collins Aerospace provides various critical systems for the KC-46, including the cargo handling system, avionics, communication systems, and landing gear.
Honeywell supplies several key technologies for the KC-46, including the auxiliary power unit (APU), environmental control systems, and various avionics components.
Spirit AeroSystems manufactures the forward fuselage section of the KC-46 Pegasus, a significant structural component of the aircraft.
Parker Aerospace, a division of Parker Hannifin, provides various flight control components, fluid systems, and hydraulic systems for the KC-46.
Through its subsidiary Safran Electrical & Power, Safran provides the electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS) for the KC-46 aircraft.