KC-46 Pegasus demo team
The 56th Air Refueling Squadron from Altus Air Force Base (AFB) made history by debuting the world’s first KC-46 Pegasus demo team at the Wings and Warriors Fly-In at San Marcos, Texas, Nov. 9.
As told by Airman 1st Class Jonah Bliss, 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs, in the article KC-46 Pegasus demo team introduced by 56th ARS, the team, representing the newest generation of air refueling capabilities, took center stage to showcase the KC-46’s unique features and the evolution of the Air Force’s tanker fleet.
For the Airmen on the demo team, this event was more than just a performance, it was a statement about progress and teamwork.
“Being part of this demo team is very meaningful, especially as a woman in this field,” said Tech. Sgt. Lacy Pickett, KC-46 demo team boom operator. “We’re showing the public how far we’ve come in the KC-46 community and proving just what we’re capable of.”
Maj. Gary Sowa, 97th Operations Group KC-46 demo team lead, explained the demo team’s performance at the fly-in.
“The team showcased the KC-46’s air refueling and slow-speed maneuvering capabilities,” Sowa said. “We executed a high-speed pass with the boom deployed at 500 feet, followed by a pass with the gear and flaps down. This gave spectators a glimpse into the aircraft’s versatility.”
56th Air Refueling Squadron
The KC-46, known for its advanced refueling systems, has the ability to refuel using both boom and drogue methods and can receive fuel from other tankers, setting it apart in the tanker fleet. Additionally, the KC-46 can transport cargo, passengers and provide aeromedical evacuation when needed.
“With each demo flight, we’re not just showing what the KC-46 can do,” Sowa said. “We’re reshaping its story, growing as a team and inspiring future Airmen.”
On Aug. 1, 2016 the 56th Air Refueling Squadron prepared to become the first formal training unit for the USAF’s newest air refueling and cargo aircraft the KC-46 Pegasus. The unit moved from Tinker AFB to Altus AFB, the home the squadron had since 1969 and reunited with the 58th Airlift Squadron, a unit it had served with during the island hopping campaigns in the South Pacific during World War II.
The 56th Air Refueling Squadron maintains a proud history and tradition of training highly qualified aircrew members while operating the Air Force’s largest aircraft in the inventory throughout it’s history. It is aligned under the United States Air Force’s Air Education and Training Command’s 19th Air Force, headquartered at Randolph AFB, Texas.
The Pegasus
At full operational capability, the KC-46A will be able to refuel most fixed-wing, receiver-capable aircraft. The KC-46A is equipped with a refueling boom driven by a fly-by-wire control system, and is capable of fuel offload rates required for large aircraft. Its hose and drogue system adds additional mission capability that is independently operable from the refueling boom system.
The aircraft’s fuel can be pumped through the boom, drogue and wing aerial refueling pods. All KC-46As are capable of being configured with WARPs, and when equipped, the aircraft is capable of multi-point simultaneous aerial refueling. The Boom Operator controls the boom, centerline drogue and WARPs during refueling operations. The Air Refueling Operator station includes panoramic displays giving the ARO wing-tip to wing-tip situational awareness.
The KC-46A can accommodate a mixed load of passengers, aeromedical evacuation and cargo capabilities. Two high-bypass turbofans power the KC-46A to takeoff at gross weights up to 415,000 pounds. Depending on fuel storage configuration, the aircraft can carry a palletized load of up to 65,000 pounds of cargo. The KC-46A can carry up to 18 463L cargo pallets. Seat tracks and the onboard cargo handling system make it possible to simultaneously carry palletized cargo and passenger seats in a variety of combinations. The KC-46A is also equipped with a number of self-protection, defensive and communication features making it more survivable in a contested environment.
Photo by Airman 1st Class Jonah Bliss / U.S. Air Force
