Combat-ready countermeasures and survivability

• The KC-46 is built to U.S. Air Force specifications for combat readiness and survivability.
• Multiple layers of self-protection systems and combat-ready defensive countermeasures include the Tactical Situational Awareness Suite; nuclear, chemical and biological hardening; flight deck armor; radio frequency threat detection; and infrared missile countermeasures.

Versatility for cargo, passenger or medevac airlift

• The KC-46 accommodates three times more cargo pallets, up to twice as many passengers and about 30% more aeromedical evacuation patients than the KC-135 aircraft it is replacing for the U.S. Air Force.
• The KC-46’s large cargo door and cargo rollers enable rapid mission reconfiguration. The Pegasus can switch from cargo mode to passenger/medevac modes in two hours.
• The KC-46 tanker is capable of carrying as many military-standardized pallets as a C-17 and is compatible with all U.S. Air Force loaders.
• The KC-46 provides onboard emergency oxygen and electrical power for medevac support.

Next-generation capability to evolve for the mission

• The Advanced Battle Management System, a top modernization priority for the U.S. Air Force, will leverage the KC-46’s flight-test-proven Wing Air Refueling Pods to turn the tanker into an airborne “internet hotspot” connecting the data fabric of the all-domain warfighter at the tactical edge.
• The U.S. production line builds the KC-46 to be a tanker from day one — not an aftermarket modification — making it uniquely suited to integrate new capabilities and advanced technology.

Operationally deployed and delivering fuel today

• The U.S. Air Force has approved the KC-46 to operationally refuel 85% of the receiver aircraft requesting support from U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), including 5th Gen stealth low-observable fighters.
• The KC-46A provides in-flight refueling support for the Air Force’s highest priority missions, including presidential support and real-world, theater operational missions.
• The U.S. Air Force operates the KC-46A Pegasus tanker out of five bases: Altus Air Force Base, McConnell Air Force Base, Pease Air National Guard Base, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

Certified aircraft and production line

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has already certified the KC-46A to the maximum extent possible.
• The KC-46A is the only tanker that meets the stringent airworthiness and performance requirements of the FAA and U.S. Air Force.
• Built in the U.S. with suppliers in more than 40 states.

Delivering multirole tankers to the U.S. Air Force and allies

• Boeing has built and delivered 57 of the 179 KC-46A tankers currently planned for the U.S. Air Force.
• Boeing has delivered two KC-46A tankers to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Boeing delivered the first KC-46A tanker to Japan in October 2021 and second in February 2022. Boeing is currently on contract to deliver four KC-46A tankers to Japan.
• The Israeli Ministry of Defense has signed Letters of Offer and Acceptance for four KC-46A multirole tankers.

• The KC-46 tanker represents the best value over its total life cycle, with additional capabilities not found on competitor aircraft.
• The KC-46 has lower acquisition, operations and sustainment costs than any existing widebody aerial refueler. The KC-46 helps the U.S. and allies maximize investment and make every dollar count.
• Four KC-46 aircraft can operate for the price of three larger refuelers, enabling more booms in the air and bringing more fuel to the fight.
• Fleet commonality and interoperability leverages economy of scale for the U.S. and allies in training, maintenance, operations and logistics.
• Building the KC-46 as a tanker from day one ensures a longer lifespan and reduces airframe corrosion that can occur in post-production modification.