U.S. Air Mobility Command’s Longest Flight in History: >24 Hrs in KC-46A

  • Our Bureau
  • 05:47 AM, May 11, 2022
  • 466
U.S. Air Mobility Command’s Longest Flight in History: >24 Hrs in KC-46A
KC-46A Pegasus receives fuel from another KC-46 stationed at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., May 5, 2022 @U.S.A.F.f cx

The U.S. Air Force’s Air Mobility Command (AMC)’s KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling plane completed a 24.2-hour flight, making it the longest duration flight in its history.

Airmen from the 22nd Air Refueling Wing completed a 24.2-hour flight on a KC-46A Pegasus May 5-6, to and from McConnell Air Force Base.

“This 24-hour sortie is a critical step in the operational evolution of tankers, and the role the KC-46 plays in that,” said Col. Nate Vogel, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander. “This sortie helps mobility forces identify how best to operate on long-duration sorties from human, to machine, to mission aspects. Long-duration flights are inherently full of risk, and conducting this operation now allows us to identify those risks, and then build and apply mitigations in a more controlled environment. The joint force, our allies, and our partners rely on our capability to project combat power globally ... we need to be ready to execute anytime, anywhere. This 24-hour sortie is a huge step in realizing that vision.”

This flight took several weeks of planning, requiring collaboration from AMC, Boeing and various squadrons around the 22nd ARW.

Safety measures were at the forefront of the flight. The physical and mental well-being of the aircrew was closely monitored by an onboard physician assistant.

The Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, a detailed questionnaire on the crew members current fatigue levels, was administered to the crew throughout the flight in conjunction with the Psychomotor Vigilance Task test, a test developed by NASA that monitors fatigue levels by measuring cognitive function in comparison to a preflight baseline. Additionally, the Fatigue Avoidance Scheduling Tool, a software that develops an optimal inflight schedule for the pilots, was implemented for this endurance mission to mitigate the effects of fatigue.

The aircrew consisted of six pilots, three boom operators, a photojournalist, and a physician assistant. Two pilot teams rotated on and off for 4-hour shifts. A backup pilot team, ready to step in as needed, focused on gathering data and taking extensive notes. The rotating shifts ensured adequate time for rest and the safety of the mission.

During the 24 hours in flight, the McConnell AFB KC-46 performed dry contacts with another McConnell AFB KC-46, refueled four Marine F-35s, and was refueled by another McConnell AFB KC-46. The flight flew along both of the U.S. international borders as well as along a majority of both of the coasts before ultimately landing back at McConnell AFB, traveling over 9,000 miles, and completing the longest duration flight in AMC history.

The data collected from this will be used to determine the feasibility, limitations, potential risks as well as unique benefits of the KC-46 for long-duration flights.

Also Read

KC-46A Refuels First International Aircraft

April 29, 2022 @ 03:57 AM

Israel Signs $3B Deal for CH-53K Helicopters, KC-46 Tankers

January 1, 2022 @ 08:15 AM
FEATURES/INTERVIEWS