KC-46 Achieves Historic Around-the-World Flight in 45 Hours
A KC-46 from the 22nd Air Refueling Wing accomplished a groundbreaking feat on June 29th. The jet took off from McConnell Air Force Base, flew westward, and landed back at McConnell 45 hours later, completing an unprecedented around-the-world journey for a 767 or KC-46 aircraft.
The Boeing KC-46A, model 767-2C, boasts an impressive configuration, powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW4062 engines. It spans approximately 165 feet in length, with a wingspan of 156 feet, slightly longer than its commercial counterpart, the Boeing 767-200ER. It has been described as combining “the 767-200ER’s fuselage, with the 767-300F’s wing, gear, cargo door and floor, with the 767-400ER digital flightdeck and flaps”. (The displays actually look like those of the 787).
During the journey, the Pegasus refueled various aircraft, including the C-17 Globemaster III, multiple B-2 bombers, F-15E Strike Eagles, and another KC-46.
How the KC-46 Accomplished the Around-the-World Trip
To achieve this historic flight, the KC-46 required in-flight refueling. Two KC-46 jets were pre-positioned in Guam for the mission. Additionally, a KC-135 from McConnell was sent to RAF Mildenhall, and another Stratotanker was dispatched to the Middle East. Additional backup aircraft were available to ensure mission success.
Crew’s Super-Augmented 48-Hour Day
The KC-46 crew included four experienced pilots, two boom operators, a flight surgeon, and two flying crew chiefs. They operated in shifts, alternating between flying and resting to sustain the mission.
While this super-augmented 48-hour day is not yet standard, Air Mobility Command hinted it might be considered for future missions. Brig Gen Donahue, Director of Operations for Strategic and Nuclear Integration at Air Mobility Command, stated, “Not only is the duration of this sortie notable, but we are completing it with just two basic crews. Previously, three pilots were able to fly as an ‘augmented’ crew for up to 24 hours. Going forward, AMC is looking to have a crew of four pilots operating for up to 48 hours.”
Not the First Aircraft to Achieve the Feat
Although rare, flying around the world nonstop has been accomplished by other aircraft. In 1949, the B-50 “Lucky Lady II” made the first nonstop around-the-world trip in 94 hours. The Rutan Voyager completed the feat in 1986 without refueling.
In 2005, Virgin’s Global Flyer, piloted by Steve Fossett, became the first solo nonstop circumnavigation of the globe.
By successfully completing this mission, the KC-46 Pegasus has joined the ranks of these historic flights, demonstrating its capabilities and potential for future long-duration missions.
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