US Air Force refueling plane has shattered records by completing a non-stop 45-hour flight around the globe. The KC-46A Pegasus, the centerpiece of this historic achievement, successfully circumnavigated the world westbound—a direction notorious for its challenges due to the jetstream’s slowing effect on aircraft.
This mission, dubbed Project Magellan, took place between June 29 and July 1. The KC-46A Pegasus departed from McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas and returned to the same location after an arduous 45-hour journey. The primary objective was to assess and enhance the aircraft’s range and capabilities, potentially setting new standards for future missions.
Capt. Jacob Heyrend, the flight surgeon from the 349th Air Refueling Squadron, emphasized the mission’s rigorous demands. “Goals for this flight were to see the combined capabilities of a modern tanker and augmented crews, pushing the brink of human performance,” Heyrend stated. He was aboard the aircraft to monitor the crew’s health and safety throughout the mission. “The final goal I had for the flight was to maintain crew, flight, and mission safety and health as the aeromedical element,” he added.
ALSO READ: Airbus’s Half-Helicopter, Half-Plane Hybrid Reaches 249 MPH in First Test Flight
The KC-46A Pegasus, developed by Boeing from its 767 jet airliner, has been a vital asset to the US Air Force. During this record-setting flight, it demonstrated its remarkable capability by refueling several types of aircraft, including B-2 Spirit bombers, C-17 Globemasters, F-15E Strike Eagles, and another KC-46. This versatile tanker belongs to the 22nd Air Refueling Wing and has proven its mettle in various demanding scenarios.
Project Magellan was not just a test of the aircraft’s endurance but also of human endurance and coordination. The mission was meticulously planned by key personnel, including Captain Cody Donahue, the 22nd Operations Group executive officer. “Maximum Endurance Operations are all about overcoming the tyranny of distance: with a 48-hour duty day, you can literally fly across the world,” Donahue explained.
He elaborated on the broader implications of such missions in the context of Great Power Competition. “In an era of Great Power Competition, crews need the ability to operate longer than they have in the past, and Project Magellan is the next step in getting AMC crews experience in the game-changing new construct that is MEO,” he noted.
ALSO READ: China Unveils Fujian: World’s Largest Conventionally Powered Aircraft Carrier
The KC-46A was crewed by four pilots and two boom operators, who alternated rest periods using the aircraft’s built-in bunk beds. This configuration allowed the crew to remain alert and effective throughout the marathon flight. Donahue highlighted the efficiency of small, augmented crews in covering vast distances, marking a significant shift from previous practices where three pilots could fly for up to 24 hours. “Going forward, AMC is looking to have a crew of four pilots operating for up to 48 hours,” he said.
Throughout its journey, the KC-46A performed several mid-air refueling operations, showcasing its critical role in extending the operational range of other military aircraft. The ability to refuel B-2 Spirit bombers, known for their stealth and strategic capabilities, and C-17 Globemasters, essential for heavy airlift missions, underscored the Pegasus’s versatility and strategic importance.
The inclusion of F-15E Strike Eagles, renowned for their speed and agility in combat, further highlighted the KC-46A’s ability to support diverse mission profiles. Additionally, refueling another KC-46A during the flight demonstrated the potential for extended operations involving multiple tankers, a crucial capability in sustained military engagements.
The success of Project Magellan opens new avenues for the US Air Force’s operational strategies. The ability to conduct extended-duration flights with augmented crews and advanced tankers like the KC-46A Pegasus enhances the Air Force’s global reach and rapid response capabilities. This mission’s achievements not only set a new endurance record but also pave the way for future innovations in aerial refueling and long-range operations.
