USAF's Pegasus is building capacities
While the 50th Pegasus tanker delivery to the USAF is imminent, more capabilities for refueling missions have been released.
On 13 October 2021, the commander of USAF's Air Mobility Command (AMC), General Mike Minihan, approved a third Interim Capability Release (ICR) mission set for the Boeing KC-46A Pegasus. The latest ICR decision allows the KC-46A to refuel all variants of the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon during US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) tasked missions. Also, this ICR allows Pegasus aircraft and crews to accept operational taskings which would otherwise be filled by the KC-135R Stratotanker and KC-10A Extender tanker aircraft.
Despite existing restrictions and deficiencies, the KC-46A continues to demonstrate its growing operational capabilities. The Pegasus has completed more than 6,000 missions, offloading more than 35 million pounds of fuel, and making 26,000 boom and 1,500 drogue contacts since January 2019. On 9 July 2021, the first ICR decision approved the KC-46A to refuel aircraft using its Centerline Drogue System. The latter is mainly for US Navy and US Marines F-18 Hornet/Super Hornet, F-35B/F-35C Lightning II, AV-8 Harrier and E/A-18G Growler aircraft.
On 5 August 2021, the second ICR was approved. Then, the Pegasus had gained approval to refuel the B-52H Stratofortress, C-17A Globemaster III and other KC-46A aircraft using its boom. The KC-46A can now support 62% of all receiver aircraft that request air refueling support from USTRANSCOM.
Credit photos: USAF