Boeing photograph

The KC-46A Pegasus development program completed its first flight of Engineering, Manufacturing and Development (EMD) aircraft #1 Dec. 28, 2014. The maiden flight took off from Paine Field in Everett, Wash., and landed at Boeing Field, Seattle.

Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., is officially designated as the next destination for the Boeing KC-46A Pegasus Aerial Refueling Tanker.

The announcement came late Sept. 12 from the Secretary of the Air Force.

The Pegasus will be the Air Force’s premier air refueling platform.  Air Force officials tout the KC-46A as a huge step in recapitalizing a tanker fleet that remains the world leader in air refueling. 

Seymour Johnson was selected based upon operational analysis, results of site surveys, cost and military judgment factors.     
  
The replacement of the KC-135 Stratotanker mission at SJAFB will result in a net increase of 53 full-time, on-base personnel. Additional dependents are anticipated to accompany full-time personnel associated with the arrival of the new aircraft.

The KC-46A will provide improved capabilities, including boom and drogue refueling on the same sortie; worldwide navigation and communication; cargo capacity on the entire main deck floor; receiver air refueling; improved force protection and survivability; and multi-point air refueling capability.

“I am not surprised by Seymour Johnson’s selection,” said 4th Fighter Wing Commander Colonel Christopher Sage. “This is a direct reflection of the hard work our active duty and reserve Airman do on a daily basis to achieve our missions here at Team Seymour.”

Pending contract delivery schedule Boeing expects to begin delivery of the KC-46A in fiscal year 2020.