The US Air Force’s (USAF) KC-46 Pegasus aerial refuelling and transport aircraft has completed the first flight around the world last month in a seven-leg trip.

A KC-46A aircraft from the USAF’s 22nd Air Refueling Wing conducted the flight between 13 and 26 November.

The 13-day trip marked the first global circumnavigation for the KC-46A Pegasus. As part of the journey, the tanker visited the Dubai Air Show for the first time.

The flight allowed aircrew and maintainers to train at multiple locations.

The first stop was at Royal Airfield Mildenhall, UK, which was followed by the USAF displaying the KC-46 as a static display at this year’s airshow in Dubai.

USAF 22nd Operations Group commander colonel Thad Middleton said: “Our operators and maintainers had the privilege of circumnavigating the globe in the airforce’s newest and most capable air refuelling platform.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“We have worked with our partners at the Tanker Airlift Control Center on previous overseas missions, but our movement across the Atlantic, Indian Ocean and the South Pacific allowed us to truly flex the system.

“It goes without saying, but the crew members gained invaluable training in terms of oceanic procedures, unfamiliar airfield operations and dynamic mission planning.”

Following the airshow, the aircraft flew to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, to demonstrate its capabilities to Qatari military personnel.

The stop included a refuelling mission with a C-17 aircraft and helped improve interoperability with Qatar.

The Boeing aircraft is undergoing initial operational testing and evaluation to test its capabilities and effectiveness even as the airforce flagged concerns with certain issues identified during the inspection, including a problem with the cargo locks. The USAF approved a fix for the locks last month.