KC-46A Tanker Modernization (KC-46A)
Abstract
The KC-46 Tanker Modernization (KC-46A) Program is intended to replace the United States Air Force's aging fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers which have been the primary refueling aircraft for more than 50 years. With more refueling capacity and enhanced capabilities, improved efficiency and increased capabilities for cargo and aeromedical evacuation, the KC-46A will provide aerial refueling support to the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps as well as allied nation coalition force aircraft. The KC-46A will be able to refuel any fixed-wing receiver capable aircraft on any mission. This aircraft is equipped with a modernized KC-10 refueling boom integrated with a proven fly-by-wire control system and capable of delivering a fuel offload rate required for large aircraft. Furthermore, the hose and drogue system adds additional mission capability that is independently operable from the refueling boom system. Two high-bypass turbofans, mounted under 34-degree swept wings, power the KC-46A to take off at gross weights up to 415,000 pounds. The centerline drogue and wing aerial refueling pods are used to refuel aircraft fitted with probes. All aircraft will be configured for the installation of a Multi-Point Refueling System. Multi-Point Refueling System-configured aircraft will be capable of refueling two receiver aircraft simultaneously from special "pods" mounted under the wing. One Aerial Refueling Operator controls the boom, centerline drogue, and wing refueling pods during refueling operations. This new tanker utilizes an advanced KC-10 boom, a centermounted drogue, and wing aerial refueling pods, allowing it to refuel multiple types of receiver aircraft as well as foreign national aircraft on the same mission.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA614837
Entities
Organizations
- Air Force Life Cycle Management Center