KC-46A Pegasus Tanker

The first Israeli KC-46A Gideon tanker aircraft conducting its maiden flight in the USA.

Manufacturer: Boeing
Category: Bombers & Strategic Aircraft
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Maximum Speed 530 mph (Mach 0.86)
Range 6,300+ miles
Payload Capacity 212,000 lbs fuel
Crew 3 (pilot, co-pilot, boom operator)

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	KC-46A Pegasus
Manufacturer	Boeing
Country of Origin	United States
Introduction / In Service Since	2019
Status	Active
Category	Aerial Refueling Tanker
Crew	3
Unit Cost	$220–250 million

2. Dimensions & Structure

Length	165 ft
Wingspan	156 ft
Height	52 ft
Wing Area	~3,050 sq ft
Empty Weight	~181,000 lbs
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	415,000 lbs

3. Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 0.86
Range	6,300+ miles
Combat Radius	~3,500 miles
Service Ceiling	40,000 ft
Rate of Climb	~2,000 ft/min

4. Powerplant

Engine Type	2× Pratt & Whitney PW4062 turbofans
Thrust (per engine)	62,000 lbf
Total Thrust	124,000 lbf

5. Payload & Armament

Internal Payload Capacity	212,000 lbs fuel
Weapons Bay	None
Compatible Weapons	None
Hardpoints	None

6. Avionics & Systems

Radar System	Military-grade weather and navigation radar
Navigation	GPS/INS integrated system
Electronic Warfare (EW)	Defensive countermeasures suite
Stealth Features	Limited (non-stealth design)

7. Operational History

Primary Operator	United States Air Force
Conflict Usage	Global support operations
Notable Missions	Strategic refueling, troop transport

8. Additional Information

Variants	KC-46A baseline
Successor / Future Replacement	Future NGAS tanker concepts
Notable Features	Fly-by-wire boom, remote vision system
Estimated Operational Life	30+ years

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Stealth Capability 5 / 10
Payload Capacity 6 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10
Electronic Warfare 6 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 5 / 10

PROS

Multi-role capability (refueling, cargo, medevac)
Large fuel capacity for extended missions
Modern avionics and digital flight systems
Compatible with a wide range of aircraft
Improved survivability with defensive systems

CONS

High acquisition and lifecycle costs
Early technical issues with vision system
Limited stealth features
Slower than fighter escort aircraft
Dependency on large airbase infrastructure

KC-46A Pegasus Aerial Refueling Tanker

The KC-46A Pegasus is a modern aerial refueling tanker designed to extend the operational reach of U.S. and allied air forces. Built to replace aging tanker fleets, it combines fuel delivery, cargo transport, and medical evacuation in a single platform. The aircraft supports a wide range of missions, from strategic deterrence to rapid global mobility, making it a core enabler of U.S. military power projection.

Manufacturer

The KC-46A is developed and produced by Boeing, based on the proven Boeing 767 commercial airframe. It integrates military-grade avionics, defensive systems, and refueling technology tailored for combat environments.

Speed and Range

The aircraft has a maximum speed of around 530 mph (Mach 0.86) and a range exceeding 6,300 miles without refueling. Its ability to carry over 212,000 pounds of fuel allows it to support multiple aircraft in a single sortie, including fighters, bombers, and transport aircraft.

Cost / Price

The estimated unit cost of the KC-46A is approximately $220 to $250 million, depending on configuration and procurement contracts.

The KC-46A features a fly-by-wire boom, wing-mounted refueling pods, and advanced remote vision systems for refueling operations. It also includes defensive countermeasures to operate in contested environments. Beyond refueling, it can carry passengers, cargo, and medical patients, making it a flexible multi-mission platform.

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