The KC-46A Pegasus tanker can now refuel all F-15 and F-16 aircraft variants for U.S. Transportation Command's operations, through a recently approved interim capability release.
Gen. Mike Minihan, who leads Air Mobility Command, authorized the aerial refueler's third interim capability release on Wednesday, AMC said Friday.
“The KC-46 can now support 62 percent of all receiver aircraft that request air refueling support from USTRANSCOM,” said Brig. Gen. Ryan Samuelson, AMC's deputy director of strategy, plans, requirements and programs and lead for the KC-46 Cross-Functional Team.
The third ICR decision follows the first one in July that authorized the aircraft's Centerline Drogue System, and the second one in August that allowed Pegasus to refuel B-52, C-17 and fellow KC-46 units.
AMC follows an incremental approach in implementing KC-46's ICR plan with no specific timeline. The aerial refueler has taken part in over 6,000 missions so far.